IN VITRO C-20, 22 DESMOLASE REGULATION OF PREGNENOLONE SUPPLY IN FIRST TRIMESTER HUMAN PLACENTA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Homogenates of first trimester human placentae were incubated with [26-14C]cholesterol. Using reverse-isotope dilution analysis [14C]isocaproic acid was isolated and characterized. A progressive increase in [14C]isocaproic acid formation with increasing gestation suggestive of a regulatory mechanism at the C-20,22 desmolase site in the supply of placental pregnenolone was noted.