Enzymes expression: of the cytochrome P450 aromatase, NADPHcytochrome P450 redutase and cytochrome P450c17 (17-α-hidroxilase/17, 20-lyase) in the vagina of female cavies (Galea spixii, Wagler, 1831)

Author(s)

Amilton Cesar dos Santos

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD)
• Defense date: 2012-11-22

Examining board members

Antônio Chaves de Assis Neto; Maria Angélica Miglino; Moacir Franco de Oliveira

• Advisor: Antônio Chaves de Assis Neto

Abstract

To the metabolism of sex steroid hormones is essential the participation of esteroidogenic enzymes. The enzyme cytochrome P450c17 is responsible for androgen production; and the enzyme aromatase cytochrome P450 is responsible for estrogen production, however, both enzymes require forming a complex with an enzyme partner called NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase to perform the metabolism of these hormones, which are essential for sexual differentiation. This study aimed to immunolocalization of the three enzymes above mentioned in the vaginal tissue from female rodents Galea spixii. Therefore, the experiment was carried out using vaginal cytology techniques for definition of the estrous cycle phases, techniques for light microscopy, scanning electron and immunohistochemical tests for the detection of enzymes: cytochrome P450c17, cytochrome P450 aromatase, and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase. It was found that the estrus cycle of Galea spixii female lasts 15.85 ± 1.4 days, with the formation and rupture of vaginal closure membrane during each oestrous cycle. The vagina has a hypertrophied clitoris with the urethral orifice that opens on top of it, and it is observed the absence of a vaginal vestibule. The vaginal mucosal epithelium undergoes proliferative changes, with thickening and thinning according to the respective estrous cycle phase. The enzymes cytochrome P450 aromatase and NADPH reductase are immunolocated throughout the oestrous cycle in the epithelium and connective tissue of the vagina from Galea spixii. On the other hand, the enzyme cytochrome P450c17 is immune located in the vaginal epithelium during all stages of the estrous cycle, except at estrous. With these data may be suggested that there is a local estrogens and androgens metabolism in vaginal tissue which may be associated with cell proliferation, vascularization and innervation variation besides the formation and rupture of the vaginal closure membrane. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/03655-2 - Expression of enzymes: cytochrome P450 aromatase and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome P450c17 (17-±-hidroxilase/17, 20-lyase) in females vagina of cavies (Galea spixii, Wagler, 1831)
• Grantee: Amilton Cesar dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master