Modulation of D-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity by estrogens.

Liver D-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (OHBD) is subjected to estrogen modulation. Estrogen action was demonstrated by (a) the lesser activity of liver OHBD in female rats, as compared with their male counterparts; (b) the increase of OHBD activity after ovariectomy of sexually mature rats; (c) the decrease of OHBD activity after treatment of gonadectomized or normal rats with 17 beta-estradiol or with artificial estrogens; (d) the decrease of OHBD activity in female rats during sexual development; (e) the effects of tamoxifen on the enzyme activity. The kinetics of OHBD reaction using liver mitochondria from estrogen-treated rats showed a 50% decrease of Vmax, as compared with the control value, in contrast to the other parameters which did not vary. These results, taken together with the effect of estrogens on liver mitochondrial phospholipids, point to a decreased content of OHBD in liver mitochondria from estrogen-treated rats. In contrast to OHBD, succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase activities, mitochondrial protein synthesis and L-malate + L-glutamate oxidation by coupled liver mitochondria either increased or were not affected by estrogens. Kidney and heart OHBD were affected by ovariectomy and estrogens like the liver enzyme, though to a lesser degree.