Expression of aromatase mRNA in the abdominal gland of the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster.

: As a step to see whether the local aromatization mechanism exists in the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, cDNA cloning and characterization of newt cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) were conducted. Newt P450arom cDNA was obtained from a C. pyrrhogaster ovarian cDNA library. By RT-PCR and in situ hybridization, an intense P450arom mRNA expression was detected in the abdominal gland. Employing biochemical techniques combined with HPLC and TLC analyses, we also demonstrated the conversion of testosterone to estradiol in the abdominal grand. The significance of aromatization of testosterone in this gland is discussed.