C19Steroidal Precursors of Estrogens*

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Abstract
The pathways of biosynthesis of the estrogens from C19 steroids has been examined by in vitro kinetic experiments using human placental microsomes and two precursors, each labeled with a different radioisotope. The results indicate that under the conditions employed, androstenedione is an obligatory intermediate in the conversion of 3β-hydroxy-5-androsten- 17-one (dehydroisoandrosterone) or its sulfate, dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate, into estrone and estradiol. The same result was obtained when the microsomal fraction was replaced by either a 1000 × g supernatant preparation from human placenta or a homogenate of placental mitochondria. If alternative pathways involving C19-hydroxylated derivatives of dehydroisoandrosterone or its sulfate exist, they appear to be of minor quantitative significance. (Endocrinology106: 13, 1980)