Immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes in the fetal, neonatal and adult testis of the Shiba goat.

The localizations of steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc, 3 beta HSD, P450c17 and P450arom) in testes of Shiba goats were investigated by immunohistochemistry. P450scc, 3 beta HSD, P450c17 and P450arom were detected in all Leydig cells of adults. P450scc and P450c17 were observed in most Leydig cells in the fetus (90 days) and neonate (15 days). 3 beta HSD and P450arom were found in some Leydig cells of the fetus with weak immunostaining but the numbers of immunopositive Leydig cells and intense immunostaining were increased in Leydig cells of the neonate. These results suggest that Shiba goat testes have the ability to synthesize progestin, androgen and estrogen in the fetus, neonate and adult, and synthesis of these steroid hormones showed an age-related rise.