In vitro metabolism of pregnenolone to 7α-hydroxypregnenolone by rainbow trout embryos

• Published in: General and comparative endocrinology 2003-05, Vol.131 (3), p.241-249
• Main Authors: Petkam, R, Renaud, R.L, Freitas, A.M.M.S, Canario, A.V.M, Raeside, J.I, Kime, D.E, Leatherland, J.F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 7α-Hydroxypregnenolone; Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry; Gonadal steroids; High performance liquid chromatography; Oncorhynchus mykiss; Oviparity; Salmonidae; Steroid conjugation; Steroid metabolism; Teleost fishes
• ISSN: 0016-6480; 1095-6840
• DOI: 10.1016/S0016-6480(02)00641-X

Tissues taken from rainbow trout embryos at several developmental stages, were incubated in the presence of radioactively-labelled pregnenolone in order to determine the capability of salmonid embryos to metabolize steroids, such as pregnenolone, that are incorporated into the oocyte during gonadal growth and maturation. High performance liquid chromatography was used to separate the steroid products, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was applied for the chemical identification of the product. 7α-Hydroxypregnenolone, previously known to be produced only by ovarian tissues, was found to be the sole metabolite of pregnenolone metabolism by rainbow trout embryos. Sulfate and glucuronide conjugated forms of 7α-hydroxypregnenolone were also produced. We hypothesize that this metabolite provides a pathway for excretion of pregnenolone, enabling the embryo to maintain its own steroid milieu, although the possibility of 7α-hydroxypregnenolone also playing a physiological role cannot be excluded.