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Expression of Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Encoding Steroidogenic Enzymes in Postmenopausal Ovaries

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The Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation: JSGI Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

To investigate expression of steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgen and estrogen synthesis in the stroma of postmenopausal ovaries.

Methods

Ovarian stromal tissue samples were obtained at hysterectomy from postmenopausal women who had hysterectomy and oophorectomy. Tissues were frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen and kept frozen until RNA was extracted. Total RNA was examined by Northern blot analysis using P-labeled cDNA probes encoding human P450 side chain cleavage (P450ssc), P45017oi, and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom). Concentrations of mRNA encoding cytochrome P450ssc, cytochrome P450 17a-hydroxylase (CYP17), and P450arom were determined in the ovarian stroma.

Results

We detected P450ssc mRNA in all postmenopausal ovaries studied. P450ssc mRNA was increased threefold in the ovarian stroma of postmenopausal women with endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia. CYP17 mRNA was detected in the ovarian stroma of all women with endometrial cancer. P450arom mRNA was not detected in the ovaries studied.

Conclusion

Postmenopausal ovaries possess enzymes for initiation of steroidogenesis. Enzymes essential for androgen synthesis were expressed in the ovarian stroma of postmenopausal women with endometrial cancer or hyperplasia. (J Soc Gynecol Investig 2003;10:37–40)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0587, USA

    Manubai Nagamani MD & Randall J. Urban MD

Authors
  1. Manubai Nagamani MD
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  2. Randall J. Urban MD
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Correspondence to Manubai Nagamani MD.

Additional information

Supported by grants R01 CA45181 and HD-28393 from the National Institutes of Health.

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Nagamani, M., Urban, R.J. Expression of Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Encoding Steroidogenic Enzymes in Postmenopausal Ovaries. Reprod. Sci. 10, 37–40 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1071-5576(02)00190-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1071-5576(02)00190-9

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