Steroid formation by the avian ovary in vitro (Gallus domesticus)

Abstract Ovarian slices of the Gallus domesticus in the presence of gonadotrophin incorporate acetate-1- 14 C into progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and estradiol-17β. Distinct profiles of radioactive steroids are seen in the tissues of the molting, laying, and broody hens. There is an intense Δ 5 ,3 β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase reaction and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase reaction in the granulosa cells of the laying hen; these reactions are not present in the molting hen. An intense 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase reaction, with testosterone as the substrate, occurs in the theca and stroma cells of the molting hen with only a weak reaction in the laying hen.