Interaction of [4-14C]Estradiol and its Metabolites with Polynucleotides in the Presence of Peroxidase

Abstract

Incubation of [4-14C]estradiol with either horseradish peroxidase or uterine preparations resulted in the formation of water-soluble products if certain polynucleotides were also present. It was shown that both systems required hydrogen peroxide and that binding of the steroids occurred more readily with DNA or polyadenylic acid than with RNA or polyuridylic acid. The 14C radioactivity associated with the polynucleotides was present in unidentified metabolites and a small amount of unchanged estradiol. These products were bound weakly and could be removed by mild procedures in contrast to the conjugates formed with albumin or thiols by this system. The significance of the action of peroxidase in the binding of estrogens in rat uterus is discussed.