Different modulation of aromatase activity in frog testis in vitro by ACE and ANG II

• Published in: American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology integrative and comparative physiology, 1999-11, Vol.277 (5), p.1261-R1267
• Main Authors: Miano, Antonino, Gobbetti, Anna, Zerani, Massimo, Quassinti, Luana, Maccari, Ennio, Murri, Oretta, Amici, Domenico, Bramucci, Massimo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0363-6119; 1522-1490
• DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.1999.277.5.R1261

Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Animal Biology, University of Camerino, I-62032 Camerino, Italy The aim of the present research was to study the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ANG II in amphibian ( Rana esculenta ) testicular steroidogenesis and prostaglandin production. Hormonal effects of ACE, ACE inhibitors, synthetic bullfrog ANG I, and [Val 5 ]ANG II were determined in frog testis of prereproductive period. Production of 17 -estradiol, progesterone, androgens, and PGE 2 and PGF 2 was determined by incubating frog testes with ACE (2.5 mU/ml), captopril (0.1 mM), lisinopril (0.1 mM), [Val 5 ]ANG II (1 µM), and synthetic bullfrog ANG I (1 µM). The analysis of the data showed an independent modulation of 17 -estradiol and androgen production by ACE and ANG II. The ACE pathway caused a decrease of 17 -estradiol production and an increase of androgen production in frog testes; on the other hand, the ANG II pathway increased 17 -estradiol production and decreased androgen production. The determination of testicular aromatase activity showed a positive regulation by ANG II and a negative regulation by ACE. As for prostaglandin production, only ANG II influenced PGF 2 . These results suggest a new physiological role of ACE and ANG II in modulating steroidogenesis and prostaglandin production. 17 -estradiol; progesterone; androgens; prostaglandin E 2 ; prostaglandin F 2 ; angiotensin-converting enzyme