Histochemical determination of adrenal steroidogenesis in rat after treatment with ochratoxin A.

The enzymes delta 5-3 beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were demonstrated histochemically in the adrenal cortex of female rats. The activities of these enzymes were increased significantly in ochratoxin A treated rats along with an increase in the weight and reduction in cholesterol and ascorbic acid content of the gland. The observations suggest that after treatment with ochratoxin A, adrenal steroidogenesis was stimulated.