PATHWAYS OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULPHATE BIOSYNTHESIS IN THE HUMAN FOETAL ADRENAL GLAND

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The pathways of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHAS) biosynthesis in adrenal glands from the human previable foetus have been investigated by incubating pregnenolone, 17 α-hydroxypregnenolone and pregnenolone sulphate with homogenates of this tissue for different periods of time. The steroids formed were identified and measured by reverse isotope dilution or by gas—liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry of their derivatives. The results obtained are consistent with a main pathway from pregnenolone to DHAS via non-sulphated intermediates, i.e. 17 α-hydroxypregnenolone and DHA. The rate of pregnenolone sulphate metabolism to DHAS via 17 α-hydroxypregnenolone sulphate was found to be very slow compared with the rapid metabolism of pregnenolone to DHAS. These results are discussed in relation to the availability and nature of DHAS precursors in vivo.

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