Activity of delta (5) 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroid hormones content in early preimplantation horse embryos
Paulo, E.; Tischner, M.
Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 23(1-2): 81-84
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0239-8508 PMID: 3862620 Document Number: 247965
The activity of delta (5)3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was examined histochemically in 6 to 10 days aged horse blastocysts. A positive reaction was noted in the blastomeres of all embryos incubated in medium with substrate. Measurable amounts of progesterone, androgens and estrogens were found in blastocysts on day 8th. The presence of enzyme and hormones suggests that steroid hormone production takes place in very early preimplantation horse embryos.