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Biology of Reproduction, Vol 21, 125-133, Copyright © 1979 by Society for the Study of Reproduction

Age and Sex Differences in the Distribution of Lipids, Tetrazolium Reductases and Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases in the Gonads and Adrenals of the Bank Vole (Clethrionomys glareolus): A Histochemical Study

K. M. TÄHKÄ 1

1 Division of Physiology, Department of Zoology, University of Helsinki, Arkadiankatu 7, SF-00100 Helsinki 10, Finland


Age and sex differences in the distribution of lipids, NADH-, NADPH-tetrazolium reductases (TR) and 3agr-, 3beta-, 11beta-and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD) in the adrenals of the bank vole were studied histochemically. The gonads of the males were also investigated.

The adrenal cortex of sexually active males (age 67 days) was almost devoid of lipids. In the sexually active females (age 67 days) the fasciculata was moderately rich in lipids, the glomerulosa, zona intermedia and the X zone were poor in lipids. In the subadult animals (age 18 days) the lipid distribution was quite similar to that in the adult females.

In the adult males intense NADH-and NADPH-TR activitywas manifested in all cortical layers. In the adult females intense NADH-and NADPH-TR activity was observed in the fasciculata and strong activity was localized in the glomerulosa and in the X zone. In the subadult animals the zona fasciculata and the X zone showed intense NADH-TR activity. The zona glomerulosa showed a weaker reaction. The NADPH-TR activity was intense in the fasciculata and the glomerulosa. Weaker activity was observed in zona intermedia and the X zone.

In the adult males strong 3beta-HSD activity was observed in zona fasciculata and weaker activity in the glomerulosa. The 3beta-HSD activity was similar in the other groups, with the exception of an almost 3beta-HSD negative X zone being present in these animals.

Weak 3agr-HSD activity in zona glomerulosa was observed in all groups.

Lipid inclusions were localized in the interstitial cells and the intratubular spaces in the active testes. The testes of subadult males were virtually devoid of lipids. In the mature testes strong NADH-and NADPH-TR activity was localized in the Leydig cells. The seminiferous tubules were moderately active. In the submature testes the NADH-TR distribution was quite similar to that in the active testes. In the submature testes marked differences in the intensity of NADPH-TR activity between different segments of the seminiferous tubules were observed.

In the adult males strong 3agr-, 3beta-and 17beta-HSD activity was noted in the Leydig cells. In juvenile voles weak to moderate 3agr-and 3beta-HSD activity was observed in the interstitial cells.

Note:
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I thank Professor Henrik Wallgren, Head of the Division of Physiology, for his interest and encouragement during the course of my work, Mrs. Rütta Suoranta for technical assistance and my wife, Mrs. Sinikka Tähkä for help in preparation of the manuscript.

Submitted on September 29, 1978
Accepted on February 8, 1979






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Copyright © 1979 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction.