THE RATE OF FORMATION OF C-21 STEROID SULFATES FROM 4-14C-PROGESTERONE BY HUMAN NEWBORN ADRENAL SLICES

Abstract

Adrenal slices obtained from a premature infant were incubated in the presence of ATP and of 4-14C-progesterone. The incorporation of this precursor into seven corticosteroids was studied as a function of the time of incubation. Radiochemical purity of the products was assessed by double isotope derivative assay. The results demonstrated the rapid synthesis of 11-deoxycarticosterone sulfate and of corticosterone and 11-deoxycortisol, followed by the slow disappearance of the latter two steroids and the progressive formation of their respective C-21 ester sulfates. The predominant reactions observed were 21-hydroxylation of progesterone followed by extensive sulfo-conjugation of the product.