Aging and ovarian delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehyrogenase in rats.

Ovarian delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activiety and protein content were determined in long-evans rate 1-24 mo of age. Activity of the enzyme per miligram of protein was maximal between 2 and gram of protein was maximal between 2 and 4 mo of age and declined theragter. Ovarian enzyme activity of the 24-mo old rat was significantly less than that of the prepubertal animal. Total ovarian enzyme acitivity was maximal in 4-mo old rats. A decline in ovarian protein was noted between 4 and 24 mo of age.