A Study ofin VivoEstrogen Biosynthesis and Production Rates in Normal Pregnancy, Hydatidiform Mole and Choriocarcinoma1

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Abstract
The in vivo conversion of 3H-dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (3H-DHEA-S) to estrogens has been demonstrated in women with choriocarcinoma. However, only 4 of the 12 women with malignant trophoblastic disease studied showed this conversion, whereas the incorporation of 3H-DHEA-S into estrogens was readily demonstrable in normal pregnancy and benign molar pregnancy. This conversion, therefore, appears to be characteristic only for benign trophoblast. Simultaneous measurements and comparisons of estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3) production rates were made in normal early pregnancies and trophoblastic disease. These indicate that the reduced E3 production in hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma may provide a basis by which trophoblastic disease can be distinguished from normal early pregnancy.

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