THE ABILITY OF THE HUMAN LIVER TO REDUCE THE BIOLOGIC ACTIVITY OF INJECTED ESTROGENS*

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Abstract
A procedure is described for study of the hepatic metabolism of steroids in man by hepatic vein catheterization. Observations were carried out in 9 patients, with normal liver function, receiving large amounts of water-soluble estrogens intraven. in connection with therapy of cancer of the breast or prostate. As determined by bioassay, estrogenic activity was less in blood leaving the liver (hepatic vein) than in blood entering the liver (femoral artery). The limitations imposed on interpretation of the results and the mechanisms whereby hepatic "inactivation" may take place are discussed.