ANALYSIS OF CANONICAL AND BACKDOOR PATHWAYS OF STEROIDOGENESIS

ANALYSIS OF CANONICAL AND BACKDOOR PATHWAYS OF STEROIDOGENESIS

Steroidogenic synthesis in gonadal gland start from cholesterol, which is converted in androgen by

Leydig or Theca cells through two well-known canonical pathways, ∆4 and ∆5, each

regulated by specific enzymes.

Studies show that high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) induced the activation of a

secondary pathway called “BackDoor Pathway” (BDP), characterized by synthesis of neurosteroids,

essential for normal fetal masculinization. 

BDP, compered to the canonical pathways do not require testosterone as intermediate to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

In vitro experiments prove that equipotent concentration of luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin act differently in steroids synthesis, thus in Backdoor activation.

The aim of this study is highlight and understand the role of neurosteroids synthesis in primary cell line and their relevance in human reproduction and development.