Steroidogenic activity in surface epithelium of the human ovary.

The steroidogenic activity of the ovarian surface epithelium in various steps of biosynthesis of the sex steroids was investigated on 105 specimen of the ovaries obtained during laparotomy in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Postgraduate Medical School. The slices of the ovary were incubated according to the method elaborated by Levy et al. The studies were performed during the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual phase. For the determination of the activity of delta 5-3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone were used. For the determination of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase androstenedione and testosterone were applied. The results obtained indicate, that the cells of the human surface epithelium have the enzyme system necessary for the different stages of steroidogenesis. However the results obtained do not prove that steroidogenic precursors are synthesized de novo in cells of the surface epithelium.