Abstract
Summary
1. The rate of Δ4 reduction of 11-deoxycortisol was 3–4 fold greater in female than in male rat liver whole homogenates. The same sex difference was found in microsomal fractions containing the Δ4-5α-hydrogenase. 2. Evidence was found for only one Δ4-hydrogenase (5α-microsomal) in female rat liver in contrast to the male liver which contains the soluble Δ4-5β-hydrogenase as well. 3. Ovariectomy of adult female rats did not produce any marked change in enzyme titer. Hypophysectomy resulted in a sharp drop which could be reversed in part by ACTH, growth hormone or pregnant mare's serum. 4. Rapid increases in the titer of Δ4-5α-hydrogenase in the liver of the female rat occurred prior to the known stages of sexual maturation.
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