In situ demonstration of the activity of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase on steroid hormone secreting cells within the paraaortic lymph nodes of golden hamster.

The in situ activity of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was detected in clustered cells which showed steroid-producing morphology, within the capsule of the paraaortic lymph node. In light and electron microscopic studies, the positive reaction products were detected on intracapsular cell clusters. This result indicates that these unique cells may have a steroid secreting function within the lymph nodes.