Placental expression and molecular characterization of aromatase cytochrome P450 in the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta).

摘要: At birth, the external genitalia of female spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are most masculinized any known mammal, but still sexually differentiated. Placental aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) is an important route androgen metabolism protecting human fetuses from virilization in utero. Therefore, placental P450arom expression was examined to determine levels during genital differentiation, and compare molecular characteristics between hyena enzymes. Hyena activity determined at gestational days (GD) 31, 35, 45, 65 95 (term, 110), relative sensitivity enzyme inhibition by specific inhibitor, Letrozole, also examined. Expression placenta localized immuno-histochemistry, a full-length cDNA cloned for phylogenetic analysis. Aromatase increased GD31 peak 45 65, apparently decreasing later gestation. This more sensitive Letrozole than activity. syncytiotrophoblast giant cells mid-gestation placentas. The coding sequence 94% 86% identical canine enzymes respectively, as reflected analyses. These data demonstrate first time that comparable placentas when differentiation progress. suggests even clitoral likely protected metabolism. Decreased late gestation may be equally allowing program behaviors birth. Although closely related enzyme, both anatomy differ. Other hyaenids carnivores must investigated morphological functional ancestral state their placentas, it relates evolutionary relationships among species this taxonomic group.