Steroid Hormone Formation in the Human Ovary: IV. Ovarian Stromal Compartment: Formation of Radioactive Steroids from Acetate-1-14C and Action of Gonadotropins

Slices of stromal tissue from 8 normal human ovaries, obtained at different stages of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, were incubated in vitro in the presence of acetate-1-14C. The radioactive steroids formed were identified by reverse isotope dilution and radiochemical purity was established by crystallization to constant specific activity. The biosynthesis of Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione, testosterone, 3β-hydroxy-,Δ5-androsten-17-one, 17-hydroxy-Δ4-pregnene-3,20-dione, 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-pregnen-20-one, estrone and estradiol-17β was demonstrated. Little or no radioactive progesterone was found. Radioactive androgens were the major group of steroids found in all incubations. The highest incorporations of acetate-l-14C into steroids were found with those normal ovarian specimens obtained early in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. Radioactive steroid synthesis could be augmented in certain instances by human chorionic gonadotropin and by preparations of human pituitary gonadotropins. O...