CONVERSION OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE-7α-3H TO OESTROGENS BY CORPUS LUTEUM, PLACENTA, AND PLACENTA PLUS FOETAL VISCERA IN EARLY HUMAN PREGNANCY

Abstract
A corpus luteum, placenta, and placenta plus foetal viscera of a 13-week old human pregnancy were incubated with dehydroepiandrosterone-7[alpha]-3H in vitro. Conversion to oestrone and 17[beta]-oestradiol was found in all incubates. Oestriol was formed from dehydroepinadrosterone only in the Incubate of placenta plus fetal viscera. Thus, in early pregnancy dehydroepinadrosterone may serve as a precursor for estrogen biosynthesis not only in the feto-placental compartment, but also in the corpus luteum.