In vitro conversion of [4-14C]-androstenedione and [4-14C]-testosterone by ovarian tissue of pregnant rabbits.

The follicles, corpora lutea and interstitial tissue from 15 and 28 days pregnant rabbits were incubated with radioactive androstenedione and testosterone. Both precursors were aromatized to estradiol-17beta and estrone by ovarian follicles from 15 and 28 days pregnant rabbits but not by the corpora lutea and interstitial tissue. Testosterone appeared to be the better precursor for estrogens synthesis. Interconversion of androstenedione and testosterone was observed in each ovarian compartment.