Biosynthesis of Squalene by Rat Preputial Gland. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Preputial glands from rats, when incubated with C¹⁴ acetate show a marked incorporation of C¹⁴ into squalene, a sterol precursor, and little into sterols. In this regard, the preputial glands differ from many other mammalian tissues which show incorporation of C¹⁴ mainly into sterols and little into squalene. Human dermis, which contains sebaceous glands, is another mammalian tissue which shows preferential accumulation of the C¹⁴ into squalene. The mechanism of the difference is unknown, though it seems likely that factors necessary for conversion of squalene to sterols are missing in these tissues, or that an inhibitor of this reaction is present.