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Enhanced dehydroepiandrosterone synthesis by amnion compared to chorion: a comparative study using the
A Loganath1, K L Peh, Y C Wong
1University Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Molecular Reproduction and Development
|February 15, 2001
Summary
Human fetal membranes can synthesize dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) from pregnenolone. This study confirms the presence of key enzymes in amnion and chorion tissues, vital for fetal development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Reproductive Endocrinology
Background:
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a crucial androgen in fetal development.
- The role of fetal membranes in DHEA synthesis requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the enzymatic capacity of human fetal membranes (amnion and chorion) to synthesize DHEA from pregnenolone.
- To identify the specific enzymatic activities involved in this synthesis pathway.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of human amnion and chorion homogenates with [7n-3H]pregnenolone.
- Analysis of synthesized metabolites using reverse-isotope dilution and recrystallization techniques.
- Comparison of enzymatic activity between viable and heat-denatured tissues.
Main Results:
- Positive identification of [3H]DHEA acetate in incubations with viable fetal membrane tissues.
- Significantly higher DHEA synthesis in amnion compared to chorion tissues (3.6- to 5.5-fold increase).
- Enzymatic activities consistent with 17-alpha hydroxylase and C-17, 20 lyase were confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Human fetal membranes possess the enzymatic machinery to synthesize DHEA.
- This synthesis is essential for providing androgens required for estrogen production during fetal development.
- The amnion demonstrates a notably higher capacity for DHEA synthesis than the chorion.