Enzymatic Sulfation of Steroids. IV. Control of the Hepatic Glucocorticoid Sulfotransferase Activity and the Individual Glucocorticoid Sulfotransferases from Male and Female Rats by Adrenal Glands and Corticosteroids*

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Abstract
Adrenalectomy, 28-30 days after birth, diminishes hepatic cortisol sulfotransferase activity (HCSA) 50-60% and 63-76% in male and female rats, respectively. HCSA is due to 3 glucocorticoid sulfotransferases-STI, STII and STIII. In intact males, STII and STIII comprise 10-25% and 75-90% of the HCSA, respectively. In intact females, large amounts of all 3 enzymes are present. Diminished HCSA in adrenalectomized females is due to loss of all 3 enzyme activities. The order of decrease is STIII > STII .mchgt. STI. In adrenalectomized males, decreased HCSA is due mostly to loss of STIII activity. Simultaneous adrenalectomy and castration of females results in data similar to those obtained after adrenalectomy alone. In males, however, the double operation results in a large elevation of HCSA, due mostly to increased STII activity. The interrelation of adrenal and gonadal control of HCSA is discussed. The adrenals seem to be the main determinant of HCSA in females. In males, although adrenals are a major determinant of HCSA, the gonads and another unknown factor appear to be involved in a semi-independent fashion. Administration of cortisol (1 mg) or deoxycorticosterone (3 mg) results in a significant elevation of HCSA in adrenalectomized females, suggesting a role for corticosteroids as the adrenal control factors. Studies with female rats adrenalectomized 90 days after birth also support the major role of the adrenals in control of HCSA. The advantages of using the older animals in future studies are described.