THE IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF OESTROGENS FROM PROGESTERONE BY MOUSE ADRENAL GLANDS

Abstract
SUMMARY: The capacity of the adrenal gland of the mouse to form steroids in vitro, using incubation techniques with [4-14C]progesterone, was investigated. Reasons are given for the identification of two oestrogens, 16-oxooestrone and 17-epioestriol and two adrenocorticosteroids, corticosterone and 20α-hydroxycorticosterone. The presence or absence of the X zone did not appear to influence the relative amounts of oestrogens and adrenocorticosteroids produced. No compounds which could be unequivocally characterized as androgens (C19 steroids) were found.