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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
Published on: March 12, 2019
[Regulation of steroidogenesis in rat epididymal epithelial cells]
1Katedra i Zakład Histologii i Embriologii Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej w Szczecinie al Powstańców Wlkp 72, Szczecin.
Abstract:
The epididymal epithelial cells of rats in vitro display features of steroidogenic cells. The cells produce and release androgens into the culture medium that are converted to 17beta-estradiol (E2) due to the activity ofcytochrome P450 aromatase. It is probable that steroidogenesis in epididymal epithelial cells of rat is regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH). The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of hCG on the morphology of epididymal epithelial cells and synthesis of E2 by the cells. In conclusion, the hCG stimulation results in changes of the cell morphology, similar to those observed in Leydig cells and increase synthesis of the 17beta-estradiol due to the presence of LH/hCG receptors.
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