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Different modulation of aromatase activity in frog testis in vitro by ACE and ANG II

1999; American Physiological Society; Volume: 277; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1152/ajpregu.1999.277.5.r1261

1522-1490

Antonino Miano, Anna Gobbetti, Massimo Zerani, Luana Quassinti, Ennio Maccari, O Murri, D Amici, Massimo Bramucci,

Hormonal Regulation and Hypertension

The aim of the present research was to study the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ANG II in amphibian (Rana esculenta) testicular steroidogenesis and prostaglandin production. Hormonal effects of ACE, ACE inhibitors, synthetic bullfrog ANG I, and [Val(5)]ANG II were determined in frog testis of prereproductive period. Production of 17beta-estradiol, progesterone, androgens, and PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) was determined by incubating frog testes with ACE (2.5 mU/ml), captopril (0.1 mM), lisinopril (0.1 mM), [Val(5)]ANG II (1 microM), and synthetic bullfrog ANG I (1 microM). The analysis of the data showed an independent modulation of 17beta-estradiol and androgen production by ACE and ANG II. The ACE pathway caused a decrease of 17beta-estradiol production and an increase of androgen production in frog testes; on the other hand, the ANG II pathway increased 17beta-estradiol production and decreased androgen production. The determination of testicular aromatase activity showed a positive regulation by ANG II and a negative regulation by ACE. As for prostaglandin production, only ANG II influenced PGF(2alpha). These results suggest a new physiological role of ACE and ANG II in modulating steroidogenesis and prostaglandin production.