OESTROGEN FORMATION IN HUMAN FOETUSES PERFUSED WITH [14-14C]PROGESTERONE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Four human foetuses of 16–20 weeks gestation were perfused via the umbilical vein with blood containing [4-14C]progesterone. Steroids were subsequently extracted from the livers, ovaries, adrenals and perfusates. Oestriol, containing a 14C-label was isolated and characterised from extracts of the livers, and in one case, the perfusate. Androstenedione, testosterone, oestrone and oestradiol were not present in any of the tissues in identifiable amounts. The results demonstrate that the mid-term foetus, can form oestriol from progesterone independently of placental aromatisation.