Expression of Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Encoding Steroidogenic Enzymes in Postmenopausal Ovaries

Abstract

Objective: To investigate expression of steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgen an 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 ³²P-labeled cDNA probes encoding human P450 side chain cleavege (P450_SSC), P450_17α, and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450_arom). Concentrations of mRNA encoding cytochrome P450_SSC, cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17), and P450_arom were determined in the ovarian stroma.

Results: We detected P450_SSC mRNA in all postmenopausal ovaries studied. P450_SSC 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. P450_arom 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.

Keywords

Menopausal ovary P45017α hydroxylase CYP17 P450 side chain cleavage endometrial cancer

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