The histochemical demonstration of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in human skin

Calman, Kenneth Charles (1970) The histochemical demonstration of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in human skin. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The first histochemical demonstration of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in human skin was in 1965 (Baillie, Caiman, Milne, 1965) and since that time the scope of the investigation has been considerably expanded and extended. This thesis presents the results of a personal investigation into the distribution and significance of these enzymes in human skin. Biochemical investigations have shown that many steroids, and notably androgens, are metabolised by human skin (Strauss & Pochi, 1969). Further, it is known both in experimental animals (Ebling, 1965) and humans (Strauss & Pochi, 1965) that sebaceous growth is controlled by oestrogens and androgens. It was in the light of these results that the present study was carried out. The histochemical method for the demonstration of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases depends on the oxidation of the hydroxyl group of the steroid to a ketone group, with transfer of the hydrogen, via the hydrogen acceptor NAD, to a tetrazolium salt which is then reduced to black diformazan granules. It will be noted firstly that a second enzyme, NADH oxidoreductase is involved, and secondly that the diformazan granules are deposited at the site of the enzyme reaction. These two features are of great importance and form the basis of the histochemical demonstration of the enzyme reaction. This thesis set out specifically to answer a series of six questions in relation to these enzymes. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: J A Milne
• Keywords: Biochemistry
• Date of Award: 1970
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1970-71958
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 24 May 2019 15:11
• Last Modified: 24 May 2019 15:11
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/71958