The Transfer of Glucose to Steroids by Sheep Liver Microsomes

Abstract

Microsomal preparations from the liver of female sheep can effect the transfer of glucose from UDP-glucose to the 17α-hydroxyl group of 17α-estradiol-3-glucuronide, and, in much poorer yield, to some other steroids containing a 17 α-hydroxyl group. No evidence was found for steroid galactosyl or N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase activity in sheep liver. Glucuronyl transferase with an activity of a high order to a variety of substrates was present. Preliminary work indicated that the steroid glucosyl transfer is mediated by an enzyme distinct from glucuronyl transferase.