Histochemical Evidence of Steroid Metabolism in the Human Genital Ridge

Abstract
3/3-, 16)3- and 17(3-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases have been demonstrated in genital ridge mesenchyme of a 14 mm human fetus. Traces of enzymic activity were noted when 3a-hydroxysteroids were used as substrates, but no reaction was seen with 11[BETA]-, 16[al[ha]- and 20[beta]-hydroxysteroids. These findings point to possible steroid metabolism in the genital ridge mesenchyme; this metabolism may be relevant to primordial germ cell migration and proliferation.