STEROID BIOSYNTHESIS IN THE HUMAN OVARY*†

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Abstract
Steroid biosynthesis by normal and abnormal ovarian tissue was studied in vitro. From the incubation media, 6 substances were isolated; 5 of these were characterized as unchanged progesterone, 17[alpha]-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, 20[alpha]-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3-one and 17[alpha],20[alpha]-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3-one. Correlation of synthetic pattern and production rates with morphology revealed that follicular and thecal tissues were active in 17-hydroxylation and that capsular, stromal and connective tissue were active in 20-reduction. Specimens from Stein-Leventhal ovaries and other luteinized structures yielded the largest amounts of 17[alpha]-hydroxyprogesterone. Increased quantities of androstenedione were produced by the luteinized portions of the Stein-Leventhal ovaries. Medullary islets of theca luteal cells were not impressively active in either 17-hydroxylation or side-chain cleavage to androstenedione. It is concluded that the cystic structures of the Stein-Leventhal ovary have the capacity to synthesize greater amounts of recognized androgenic compounds than do normal ovaries.

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