STEROID-METABOLISM BY EMBRYONIC-TISSUES OF ARCTIC CHARR, SALVELINUS-ALPINUS

High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of extracts of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) eggs revealed the presence of several stero ids, predominantly progestogens together with testosterone. Yolk sac e mbryos were incubated with tritiated progesterone ([H-3]P-4) or 17-hyd roxyprogesterone ([H-3]17OHP) to examine the ability of the embryos to metabolize progestogens in vitro; both progestogen precursors were co nverted to various free and conjugated steroids metabolites (sulfates and glucuronides). [H-3]P-4 was completely metabolized to form steroid s that coeluted with standard 11-oxygenated androgens, corticosteroids , progestogens, and some other unidentified metabolites. This report a lso describes the biosynthesis of 17,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and 17,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one 20-sulfate by embryos of Arc tic charr that were incubated with 17OHP. (C) 1997 Academic Press.