In vitro steroid metabolism during final oocyte maturation in white croaker Micropogonias furnieri (Sciaenidae)

The main steroids produced by three stages ovarian fragments (post-vitellogenic PV, oocytes in GV migration phase Mtg and mature oocytes M) of white croaker were compared. In Mtg and M stages 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20βP), 17,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (17,21P) and 17,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20β-S) were synthesised. The specific synthesis of 20βS in Mtg oocytes suggests a MIS role for this steroid.