E- and N-cadherin expression and distribution during luteinization in the rat ovary.

Cadherins, a family of Ca(2+)-dependent cell adhesion molecules, play an important role in ovarian tissue remodelling processes. The aim of this study was to examine the expression pattern of E- and N-cadherin in rat preovulatory follicles, luteinizing follicles and corpora lutea. Immature female rats were treated with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) to promote preovulatory follicle development. At 48 h after eCG treatment, the rats were injected with an ovulatory dose of hCG. Ovaries were analysed by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence for E- and N-cadherin expression at 48 h after eCG injection, and at 24 and 72 h after hCG injection. Ovaries of cyclic adult rats were examined to assess whether the changes in the expression pattern of cadherin were in agreement with those of the gonadotrophin-treated rats. Finally, expression of E-cadherin in luteinizing granulosa cells in vitro was assessed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence results indicate that E-cadherin is expressed in the theca-interstial cells surrounding preovulatory follicles. N-cadherin expression is prominent in the membrana granulosa of these follicles. The initiation of luteinization with hCG leads to a decreased expression of N-cadherin in the membrana granulosa, whereas expression of E-cadherin starts within the luteinizing follicle. Both cadherins are prominently expressed in the fully formed corpus luteum at 72 h after hCG treatment. Immunofluorescence results revealed that the patterns of E- and N-cadherin expression in the gonadotrophin-treated rats were similar to those of the cyclic adult rats. Western blot analysis reflected similar changes for N-cadherin in the ovaries of both the cyclic adults and gonadotrophin-treated rats; however, they were different in E-cadherin expression. The expression of E-cadherin mRNA and protein was induced in vitro in luteinized granulosa cells. These results support the hypothesis that modulation of cadherin expression is an integral component of remodelling processes, including corpus luteum formation, in the ovary. The results also indicate that expression of E- and N-cadherin in granulosa-lutein cells appear to be under hormonal control.

Targeted ablation of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D 1alpha -hydroxylase enzyme: evidence for skeletal, reproductive, and immune dysfunction.

The active form of vitamin D, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1alpha,25(OH)2D], is synthesized from its precursor 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] via the catalytic action of the 25(OH)D-1alpha-hydroxylase [1alpha(OH)ase] enzyme. Many roles in cell growth and differentiation have been attributed to 1,25(OH)2D, including a central role in calcium homeostasis and skeletal metabolism. To investigate the in vivo functions of 1,25(OH)2D and the molecular basis of its actions, we developed a mouse model deficient in 1alpha(OH)ase by targeted ablation of the hormone-binding and heme-binding domains of the 1alpha(OH)ase gene. After weaning, mice developed hypocalcemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, retarded growth, and the skeletal abnormalities characteristic of rickets. These abnormalities are similar to those described in humans with the genetic disorder vitamin D dependent rickets type I [VDDR-I; also known as pseudovitamin D-deficiency rickets (PDDR)]. Altered non-collagenous matrix protein expression and reduced numbers of osteoclasts were also observed in bone. Female mutant mice were infertile and exhibited uterine hypoplasia and absent corpora lutea. Furthermore, histologically enlarged lymph nodes in the vicinity of the thyroid gland and a reduction in CD4- and CD8-positive peripheral T lymphocytes were observed. Alopecia, reported in vitamin D receptor (VDR)-deficient mice and in humans with VDDR-II, was not seen. The findings establish a critical role for the 1alpha(OH)ase enzyme in mineral and skeletal homeostasis as well as in female reproduction and also point to an important role in regulating immune function.

Developmental expression and distribution of N- and E-cadherin in the rat ovary.

The calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules, cadherins, regulate intercellular junction formation, cell sorting, and the establishment of cell polarity. Their important role in tissue remodeling suggests an involvement in ovarian cellular rearrangements throughout postnatal development. The ovary has a complex topology, and the ovarian follicle undergoes significant cellular rearrangements during its development. Cadherins have been detected previously in whole ovaries and in ovarian cells and cell lines with some immunolocalization in fetal and adult ovaries. This study examines the expression and localization of N- and E-cadherin throughout prepubertal ovarian and follicular development in the rat. We analyzed ovarian cadherin expression in rats from Day 19-20 of gestation to 25 days postpartum, during which follicle formation and folliculogenesis are the dominant ovarian events. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction detected N- and E-cadherin mRNA expression in the ovaries at all the ages examined. Semiquantification of Western blots of whole ovary extracts confirmed the presence of ovarian N- and E-cadherin protein at all ages with both showing peak expression at 7 days of age. Immunostaining revealed N- and E-cadherin expression in follicular and extrafollicular cell types, but only E-cadherin showed follicle-stage-dependent expression. The changes in cadherin expression, concurrent with ovarian growth and folliculogenesis, suggest a function for cadherins in the morphological and functional development of the prepubertal rat ovary.

Cadherins: crucial regulators of structure and function in reproductive tissues.

Cadherins are cell surface proteins that are directly involved in a wide variety of processes such as cell adhesion, cell sorting, cell survival, morphogenesis, formation of intercellular junctions, maintenance of tissue integrity and tumourigenesis. This review discusses the multiple functions of cadherins in reproductive tissues. Furthermore, the role of the intracellular signalling protein beta-catenin in regulating cadherin function is reviewed. Finally, the findings that cadherin concentrations in reproductive tissues are responsive to steroid hormones is discussed. The modulation of cadherin expression by hormones is in agreement with the hypothesis that these proteins are dynamically involved in the maintenance of structure and function in reproductive tissues.

B-type natriuretic peptide receptor expression and activity are hormonally regulated in rat ovarian cells.

Natriuretic peptides form a family of structurally related peptides known to regulate salt and water homeostasis and to cause vasodilation. Synthesis of atrial (ANP), brain (BNP), and C-type (CNP) natriuretic peptides occurs mainly in the heart and brain and has been identified recently in the female reproductive tract. The expression of ANP and CNP as well as their cognate guanylyl cyclase receptors (NPR-A and NPR-B, respectively) have been detected in the rat ovary. We have shown previously that the expression of the natriuretic peptides and their receptors in the rat ovary appears to be modulated by the estrous cycle. In the present study we have evaluated the expression of the natriuretic peptide system (peptide and receptor) in ovarian cells (granulosa and thecal-interstitial cells) obtained from immature female rats treated with either diethylstilbestrol (DES), an estrogen analog, or equine CG (eCG), a gonadotropin that possesses both LH and FSH activity. Using a whole cell RRA, we found that CNP binding was increased by 2-fold in granulosa cells taken from animals treated with either DES or eCG. Semiquantitative RT-PCR revealed that granulosa cells from DES- or eCG-treated animals have increased levels of NPR-B messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts, which was in good agreement with the increased binding. The activity of the receptors was assessed by ligand-dependent stimulation of cGMP release. CNP, but not ANP, stimulated the release of cGMP from granulosa cells obtained from DES-treated, but not from eCG-treated, animals. The relative levels of CNP mRNA in granulosa cells were unaltered by either DES or eCG treatment. In contrast, CNP mRNA levels were increased more than 2-fold, but only in theca-interstitial from the eCG-treated animals. Our results indicate that CNP and NPR-B are expressed in the ovary, and their expression is responsive to hormonal treatments. Furthermore, expression of these components of the natriuretic peptide system appears to be compartmentalized, with CNP being derived from the extrafollicular compartment and acting, through NPR-B, on the granulosa cells.

Luteotropic hormone receptors in the ovary of the mink (Mustela vison) during delayed implantation and early-postimplantation gestation.

The reproductive cycle of the mink displays rigid seasonality and obligate embryonic diapause. After ovulation, the corpus luteum (CL) involutes, and it secretes basal progesterone until activated prior to implantation. To study changes in the relative abundance of luteal prolactin and LH receptor mRNA through gestation, ovaries and serum were collected from pregnant female mink at 2-day intervals (n = 3 per date) through embryonic diapause and CL activation (March 19-31) and at 5-day intervals through implantation and early-postimplantation gestation (March 31-April 15). To determine the effect of endogenous prolactin, mink received Alzet osmotic minipumps releasing 2 mg/day 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine (bromocriptine) or saline on March 19. Ovaries and serum were taken from 3 animals every 2 days until March 31. Prolactin receptor mRNA in ovaries was low during CL activation but increased 3-fold through embryo implantation. Its abundance correlated with prolactin binding to ovarian membranes and with circulating prolactin. Bromocriptine suppressed endogenous prolactin levels and prevented the increase in prolactin receptor mRNA. There was a transient peak in LH receptor mRNA in the ovaries at March 19-23, which declined to basal levels by March 25 and remained constant through midgestation. Bromocriptine prevented the preimplantation peak in LH receptor mRNA and reduced its abundance below pretreatment levels. The results suggest that prolactin up-regulates its receptor and maintains the LH receptor in the mink CL. The pattern of LH receptor mRNA argues for a role for LH in CL reactivation and termination of embryonic diapause in mink.

Contact-dependent cell interactions determine hormone responsiveness and desensitization in rat granulosa cells.

The maintenance of associations between granulosa cells (GCs) is necessary for FSH-stimulated induction of LH receptors. In cultures in which these associations have been disrupted, FSH fails to induce LH receptors. As FSH exerts its action in GCs via cAMP, we have examined if the aggregation state of GCs plays a role in modulating FSH-stimulated cAMP production. GCs were obtained from the ovaries of diethylstilbestrol-primed immature rats. Cells were prepared as aggregate or dispersed populations by isolating GCs in either the presence or absence of Ca2+. Nonviable cells were removed by a brief exposure to trypsin. We have shown previously that trypsin treatment in the absence of Ca2+ removes a class of cell adhesion molecules, termed cadherins, from the plasma membranes of GCs. Hence, the dispersed GCs are incapable of reaggregating. Dispersed or aggregate GC preparations were incubated with different doses of human FSH (0-1 microg) for 0-60 min in the presence of isobutylmethylxanthine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Incubations were terminated, and the cAMP accumulated was measured using a specific RIA. As desensitization to hormonal stimuli is a characteristic property of many G protein-coupled response systems, cAMP production of cell aggregates and dispersed cells in response to a repeated stimulation with FSH was assessed. Our results indicate that aggregate GCs have a significantly attenuated cAMP response to all doses of FSH compared with dispersed GC preparations. Changing cell densities did not alter the nature of these responses, indicating that nonspecific cell interactions were not responsible for this difference. The number of FSH receptors and their affinity were unaltered in the two cell preparations. Cholera toxin- and forskolin-stimulated cAMP production were similar in the two preparations, demonstrating that the changes in responsiveness did not arise from alterations in G protein activation or adenylate cyclase activity. Only the aggregate GCs could be desensitized. The dispersed cells displayed undiminished cAMP responsiveness to a second FSH stimulation. Finally, culture of the GC preparations with cholera toxin induced LH receptors in GC aggregates only. LH receptor induction in dispersed cell cultures required the addition of estradiol. These results indicate that contact-dependent cell interactions can modulate GC cAMP production in response to FSH. cAMP responses, however, were not the sole determinant of cell differentiation, as assessed by LH receptor induction. We speculate that cell-cell interactions within the follicular epithelium are important determinants for cell differentiation leading to follicle selection for ovulation or atresia.

Hormonal regulation of N-cadherin mRNA levels in rat granulosa cells.

We have examined the ability of hormones to modulate the steady-state levels of N-cadherin mRNA transcripts in aggregated and dispersed rat granulosa cell populations. Estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) had no effect on the levels of N-cadherin mRNA transcripts in aggregated granulosa cells. In contrast, these two hormones stimulated N-cadherin mRNA levels in dispersed granulosa cells. This is the first report that estradiol and FSH are capable of regulating N-cadherin mRNA levels. The results also suggest that the N-cadherin mRNA levels in dispersed and aggregated granulosa cells are regulated by different mechanisms.

Estrogens potentiate the stimulatory effects of follicle-stimulating hormone on N-cadherin messenger ribonucleic acid levels in cultured mouse Sertoli cells.

Gonadal steroids and FSH are key regulators of Sertoli cell function. N-Cadherin (N-cad) is a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule that mediates Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions. We recently demonstrated that steroids, in particular estradiol, are potent regulators of testicular N-cad messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in vivo. In view of the cooperative effects of steroids and FSH on Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions, we examined the combined effects of these hormones on N-cad mRNA levels in cultured mouse Sertoli cells. FSH was capable of increasing N-cad mRNA levels 2-fold in these cells. The effects of FSH on N-cad mRNA levels in cultured Sertoli cells were mimicked by cAMP-inducing agents. Treatment of the Sertoli cell cultures with FSH and estradiol stimulated N-cad mRNA levels 3-fold, whereas steroids alone had no effect on N-cad mRNA levels. These studies demonstrate that FSH and estradiol in combination are required to achieve maximal N-cad mRNA levels in cultured Sertoli cells. The results obtained from these studies substantiate the hypothesis that estrogens play a pivotal role in regulating spermatogenesis.

C-type natriuretic peptide and the guanylyl cyclase receptors in the rat ovary are modulated by the estrous cycle.

We have previously shown that rat ovaries synthesize atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and express the cognate guanylyl cyclase (GC-A and GC-B) receptors for ANP. Since another natriuretic peptide, termed the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), can also interact with these receptors, we have investigated whether rat ovaries express CNP and if so, whether the concentration of this natriuretic peptide and the guanylyl-cyclase receptors are influenced by the estrous cycle. CNP mRNA was detected in rat ovaries using a reverse transcription (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategy. RIA of ovarian extracts, obtained at the individual days of the estrous cycle, revealed the presence of immunoreactive CNP. The highest levels of CNP were detected at proestrus and were approximately 4-fold higher than the levels seen at any other stage of the cycle. GC-A and GC-B receptors were detected using quantitative autoradiography after application of either [125I]ANP or [125I]-tyr0CNP to sections of frozen ovaries. The highest specific binding of each radiolabeled ligand was seen in ovaries from proestrous animals. The GC-B receptors were localized to the membrana granulosa of developing ovarian follicles. Using quantitative PCR, we determined that levels of GC-A and GC-B mRNAs were highest in the ovaries of proestrous animals and were approximately 2- to 3-fold higher than the levels seen at diestrus. These findings demonstrate that a natriuretic peptide system, consisting of ligands and receptors, is present in the rat ovary. Since CNP and the GC receptors show coordinate estrous cycle-dependent variation with maximal expression at proestrus, we speculate that the natriuretic peptides may play an important role in either the development of ovulatory follicles or in the ovulatory process.

Steroidogenic properties of a spontaneously established porcine granulosa cell line (PGC-2).

A spontaneously established porcine granulosa cell line (PGC-2) was cloned through the continuous culturing of primary granulosa cells collected from equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG)-treated prepubertal gilts. This established cell line has undergone approximately 100 passages and shows contact-inhibition of growth. PGC-2 stained with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against cytokeratin, indicating its epithelial nature, but not with a mAb directed against vimentin, suggesting that it is not fibroblast-derived. Immunoblotting revealed that PGC-2 expresses cadherin, an epithelial Ca+2-dependent cell adhesion molecule. The cells were dependent on serum for growth and had a doubling time of approximately 20 hr when cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum. The cell line was examined for the presence of FSH receptors, cAMP responses, and steroidogenic capabilities. The cell line lacks FSH receptors as assessed by radiolabelled-ligand binding, and no transcripts for FSH receptor were detected by Northern blotting of total cellular RNA. Neither FSH nor cholera toxin (0.5 ng/mL) stimulated increases in cAMP levels in these cells, whereas forskolin (10 microM) induced a fivefold increase in cAMP production. When a higher concentration of cholera toxin (300 ng/mL) was used, however, cAMP levels doubled by 2 hr. Despite a lack of responsiveness to purified of SH or oLH, the cells were capable of progesterone and estradiol production when provided with the appropriate substrates. We conclude that PGC-2 display properties that are similar to immature granulosa cells and may provide a suitable in vitro model for the study of granulosa cell function.

Cellular heterogeneity in the membrana granulosa of developing rat follicles: assessment by flow cytometry and lectin binding.

The hormone-mediated maturation of ovarian follicles is apparently accompanied by position-specific differentiation of cells of the membrana granulosa. We have assessed the extent of this cellular heterogeneity by flow cytometry using a variety of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled lectins as probes. Follicular development was stimulated in immature rats by treatment with either diethylstilbestrol (DES) or equine CG (eCG). Lectin binding to monodispersed rat granulosa cells was then analyzed by flow cytometry. Our results demonstrate that there are two distinct populations of small (4-7 microM) and large (9-12 microM) granulosa cells in follicles from DES- and eCG-treated animals. Both populations appear to be mitotically active and show specific lectin-binding characteristics. Six lectins (canavalia ensiforms, triticum vulgaris, maclura pomifera, erythrina cristagalli, jacalin, and vicia villosa) bind equally to both small and large granulosa cells from the DES- and eCG-treated rats. In contrast, no binding to either cell population was detected with six other lectins (dolichos biflorus, griffonia simplicifolia-II, lycopersicon esculentum, datura stramonium, solanum tuberosum, and ulex europaeus). Furthermore, four galactose-binding lectins (bauhinia purpurea, glysine maximus, griffonia simplicifolia-I, and arachis hypogaea) were found to identify specific subsets of granulosa cells. Three of these lectins (bauhinia purpurea, glysine maximus, and griffonia simplicifolia-I) bind to only small granulosa cells from either DES- or eCG- treated immature rats. The fourth lectin (arachis hypogaea) identifies subpopulations of both small and large granulosa cells. Application of the four galactose-specific lectins to fixed sections of frozen ovaries demonstrated binding to the perioocyte and cumulus granulosa cells. We conclude that cellular heterogeneity exists within the follicular epithelium at various stages-specific lectin-binding sites.

E-cadherin and OB-cadherin mRNA levels in normal human colon and colon carcinoma.

A polymerase chain reaction strategy was utilized to identify members of the cadherin family of cell adhesion molecules that are expressed in normal human colon and colon carcinoma. E-cadherin (an epithelial cadherin) and OB-cadherin (a mesenchymal cadherin) were found to be present in the colon specimens. Furthermore, a novel semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for each of these two cadherins. These assays were used to determine the relative levels of E-cadherin and OB-cadherin in normal human colon and colon carcinoma specimens. E-cadherin levels were found to be reduced approximately twofold in the adenocarcinoma specimens in comparison to matched normal colon specimens. In contrast, OB-cadherin levels did not correlate with malignant transformation. We speculate that this novel PCR method will be widely applicable for assessing E-cadherin mRNA levels in carcinomas.

Estradiol regulates N-cadherin mRNA levels in the mouse ovary.

N-cadherin (N-cad) is a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule which is present in the granulosa cells of the mouse ovarian follicle. This cell adhesion molecule has been implicated as a key modulator of follicular development. The regulators of N-cad mRNA levels in the ovary have not been identified. We have examined the ability of steroids to influence ovarian N-cad mRNA levels in vivo. Immature mice were injected with either progesterone, testosterone, 17 beta-estradiol, or 17 alpha-estradiol. Only 17 beta-estradiol caused a rapid and significant increase in the ovarian N-cad mRNA levels. We speculate that this steroid is a major regulator of N-cad-mediated granulosa cell interactions in vivo.

Cadherins, steroids and cancer.

The cadherins are a family of calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules which are thought to be key regulators of morphogenesis. This review contains a discussion of the structure, function and regulation of these cell adhesion molecules. In particular, we discuss recent studies that demonstrate the ability of steroids to modulate cadherin levelsin vivo. We speculate that steroids and estrogenic organochlorines exert their diverse morphoregulatory actions on tissues by altering cadherin levels.

E-cadherin, estrogens and cancer: is there a connection?

E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent, epithelial cell adhesion molecule. It has recently been implicated as a tumor suppressor. This review article contains a description of the structure, function, and regulation of E-cadherin and other members comprising the cadherin family. In particular, we discuss studies concerning the ability of estrogens to modulate E-cadherin levels in vivo. Finally, we consider the hypothesis that estrogens may promote breast, uterine and ovarian cancer by down-regulating E-cadherin levels in these tissues.

Estradiol regulates E-cadherin mRNA levels in the surface epithelium of the mouse ovary.

E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule which is present in the surface epithelium of the mouse ovary. This cell adhesion molecule has been implicated as a suppressor of tumorigenesis. The regulators of E-cadherin mRNA levels in the ovary have not been identified. We have examined the ability of steroids to influence ovarian E-cadherin mRNA levels in vivo. Immature mice were injected with either progesterone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 17-beta estradiol or 17-alpha estradiol. Only 17-beta estradiol caused a rapid and significant increase in the ovarian E-cadherin mRNA levels. We speculate that this steroid is a key regulator of E-cadherin-mediated epithelial cell interactions in vivo. We also discuss the possibility that the carcinogenic effects of estrogens on the ovary may be related to their ability to regulate E-cadherin levels in this tissue.

Uterine oxytocin gene expression. I. Induction during pseudopregnancy and the estrous cycle.

We have recently demonstrated that the gene encoding the hypothalamic peptide oxytocin (OT) is highly expressed in the rat endometrial epithelium during the last 4 days of pregnancy. Here, we show that uterine OT gene expression is also induced during the proestrous phase of the estrous cycle and after induction of pseudopregnancy. In mature female rats, OT mRNA levels increased more than 10-fold between diestrus and proestrus and remained elevated at estrus. The levels attained at estrus corresponded to about 1/20th of the levels present at term. In immature rats rendered pseudopregnant by treatment with pregnant mare serum and hCG, uterine OT mRNA levels rose steadily and reached a maximum on day 14 of pseudopregnancy, corresponding to about 1/8th of the levels observed on day 21 of normal pregnancy. Oil-induced decidualization of the left uterine horn prolonged pseudopregnancy and maintained OT mRNA levels in both uterine horns until day 19 of pseudopregnancy. These changes were tissue specific, as hypothalamic OT mRNA levels remained essentially unaffected. The present findings demonstrate that either spontaneous or induced changes in endogenous steroid levels are capable of eliciting important changes in uterine, but not hypothalamic, OT gene expression.

Uterine oxytocin gene expression. II. Induction by exogenous steroid administration.

As we have recently shown, the gene encoding the hypothalamic nonapeptide oxytocin (OT) is expressed in the rat endometrial epithelium during late pregnancy and the estrous phase of the estrous cycle. To investigate the role of ovarian steroids in the regulation of uterine OT gene expression, Silastic capsules containing estradiol or progesterone were implanted into immature ovariectomized rats. Exposure to estradiol alone for 2 days caused a significant rise in OT mRNA. Administration of progesterone alone was without effect. However, a strong synergism was observed when the two hormones were applied together; progesterone potentiated the effect of estradiol by a factor of 7. In animals treated with steroids for 4 days, the removal of either the estradiol or progesterone capsule after day 2 led to a decrease in the total amount of OT mRNA accumulation, implying that the continued action of both steroids was required to achieve maximal OT mRNA levels. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that the main site of steroid-induced uterine OT gene expression is the endometrial epithelium, the same site where endogenously induced OT gene expression occurs at the end of pregnancy. The OT mRNA levels achieved after 4 days of treatment with both steroids were comparable to those achieved at estrus or during pseudopregnancy, but corresponded to less than 20% of the levels present in the uterus on day 21 of pregnancy. These data suggest that in the uterus, the synergistic action of ovarian steroids represents an important, but probably not exclusive, regulator of OT gene expression.

Steroidogenic enzyme activities in rat polycystic ovaries.

Ovaries containing multiple follicular cysts occur in a variety of anovulatory conditions. A macrocystic condition occurs spontaneously in rats following a single injection of estradiol valerate. The ovaries are small, and exhibit scant stromal tissue, few healthy follicles, and numerous large cystic and precystic follicles. We have also generated a microcystic condition by means of subcutaneous estradiol-containing silastic implants. These ovaries are large, and exhibit a stroma of hypertrophied lipid-filled cells, and numerous small cysts encircled by hypertrophied thecal cells. The macrocystic condition is associated with a uniformly attenuated plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) pattern, whereas large LH episodes characterize the microcystic condition. The marked dissimilarities between these two methods suggest that there may be corresponding differences in ovarian steroidogenic activity. We have measured the activity of enzymes involved in progestin and androgen biosynthesis in the two types of multicystic ovaries before and after LH - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation. Control ovaries were obtained at late proestrus from age-matched cycling animals. Radiometric enzyme assays for 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20 alpha-HSD), C17,20-lyase (lyase), and aromatase were conducted on the microsomal fraction of ovarian homogenates. 3 beta-HSD activity was reduced by > 50% in both types of cystic ovaries compared with controls. There was a slight elevation in the 3 beta-HSD activity of macrocystic ovaries in response to hCG. 20 alpha-HSD activity was similar in controls and macrocystic ovaries but significantly lower (< 20% of control) in the microcystic ovaries. Lyase and aromatase activities were undetectable in cystic ovaries.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)