Direct effects of lithium chloride on the activities of D5-3b and 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the testis and Bidder?s organ of the adult toad (Bufo melanostictus) ? in vitro study
Steroidogenic key enzymes, i.e. D5-3b and 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (D5-3b and 17b-HSD) activities, in the testis and Bidder?s organ of the toad were inhibited and ascorbic acid synthesis in these organs was decreased by a wide range of lithium concentrtion in in vitro study. A significant inhibition was noted at a concentration of 2.0 mM, which is easily achieved in the blood during the treatment of manic patients by lithium chloride. This experiment reflected that lithium exerts a direct inhibitory effect on hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities in the testis and Bidder?s organ ? a rudimentary ovary in Bufo.
D. K. Nandi, Department of Human Physiology with Community Health, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore ? 721 102, West Bengal, India, and Department of Physiology, Raja Narendralal Khan Women?s College, Midnapore ? 721 102, W.B., India