In vitro hCG and human recombinant FSH actions on testicular steroidogenesis in the toad Bufo arenarum

In order to study the regulation of testicular steroidogenesis in the toad Bufo arenarum, the effect of gonadotropins (hCG and hrFSH) on steroidogenic enzymes was determined using an in vitro system. 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase activity was not affected by any of the gonadotropins, at any of the concentrations used. In contrast, 5α-reductase activity was strongly reduced by both hCG and hrFSH. Human chorionic gonadotropin inhibited the activity of cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase-C 17–20 lyase (P450 c17), only at the highest concentration used, while hrFSH strongly reduced P450 c17 activity at all the doses assayed. In conclusion, these data suggest that LH (hCG) and FSH regulate steroidogenic enzymes such as 5αRed and P450 c17. The results also suggest that FSH could be involved in the regulation of the change in steroidogenesis undergone by the testis during the breeding season. In turn, the inhibition of P450 c17 activity could result in a reduction of androgen production and an increment of C21 steroids.