Immunohistochemical localization of steroidogenic enzymes in the corpus luteum and the placenta of the ribbon seal (Phoca fasciata) and steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus).

To study the luteal and placental function of pinnipeds, we analyzed the localization of steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc, 3 beta HSD and P450arom) in the corpus luteum and the placenta of ribbon seals (Phoca fasciata) and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) immunohistochemically. P450scc and 3 beta HSD were present in all luteal cells of both species. Almost all of the luteal cells were immunostained for P450arom, while P450scc and 3 beta HSD were negatively immunostained in placentae and P450arom was present in the syncytiotrophoblast of placentae. These findings suggest that 1) corpora lutea of both species synthesize pregnenolone, progesterone and estrogen during the entire pregnancy period, and 2) like other terrestrial carnivores in the suborder Caniformia, placentae of both species do not have the capability for synthesizing progesterone in the latter half of active pregnancy period.