Enzyme 3ß-HSD (3ß-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase)

3ß-HSD converts:

PREGNENOLONE ➔  PROGESTERONE

DHEA  ➔  ANDROSTENEDIONE;

3ß-HSD Production/Activity stimulated by:

-   LH

-   FSH (in the male) - stimulates release of a Sertoli cell factor that increasesLH effect on 3ß-HSD activity;

3ß-HSD Production/Activity suppressed by:

-   TESTOSTERONE (through inhibitory effects on cAMP-mediated 3 ß-HSD mRNA)

3β-HSD pathway directly affected by:

-   - Lead;

-   - Daidzein /genistein /biochanin A (isoflavones)

-   Drugs: Lithium chloride, Mibolerone, Danazol (ethinylTESTOSTERONE), Cyproterone acetate, Ethionine, Cyanoketone, Mitomycin C, Aflatoxin