Metabolic effects of C21 steroids in female Epinephelus akaara (Teleostei: Serranidae).

Cortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxy-progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone, or a combination of the last 2 steroids, were injected into different groups of immature female Epinephelus. None of the steroids tested had significant effects on serum electrolyte level, and hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indices. Serum glucose concentration was elevated after treatment with cortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone or a combination of 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. Muscle protein concentration was lowered after treatment with cortisol, 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone or a combination of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone. Liver protein was significantly elevated after treatment with progesterone but lowered after cortisol treatment. The results suggest that oocyte maturation is an energy consuming process, and that steroid hormones regulating these processes, including 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone and 11-deoxycorticosterone adjust metabolism to provide energy for these processes.