Age and Sex Differences in the Distribution of Lipids, Tetrazolium Reductases and Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases in the Gonads and Adrenals of the

Age and sex differences in the distribution of lipids, NADH-, NADPH-tetrazolium reductases (TR) and 3a-, 3l-, 1 1- and 1 7-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD) in the adrenals of the bank vole were studied histochemically. The gonads of the males were also investigated. The adrenal cortex of sexually active males (age 67 days) was almost devoid of lipids. In the sexually active females (age 67 days) the fasciculata was moderately rich in lipids, the glomerulosa, zona intermedia and the X zone were poor in lipids. In the subadult animals (age 18 days) the lipid distribution was quite similar to that in the adult females. In the adult males intense NADH- and NADPH-TR activitywas manifested in all cortical layers. In the adult females intense NADH- and NADPH-TR activity was observed in the fasciculata and strong activity was localized in the glomerulosa and in the X zone. In the subadult animals the zona fasciculata and the X zone showed intense NADH-TR activity. The zona glomerulosa showed a weaker reaction. The NADPH-TR activity was intense in the fasciculata and the glomerulosa. Weaker activity was observed in zona intermedia and the X zone. In the adult males strong 3-HSD activity was observed in zona fasciculata and weaker activit