In vitro synthesis of estrogen glucuronides and sulfates by human renal tissue

17beta-[6,7-3H]Estradiol (E2) was incubated with slices and homogenates of adult human renal tissue. The metabolites formed were identified by chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex, thin layer chromatography and crystallization with carrier steroids or steroid derivatives. The major metabolites formed by slices were estradiol-17-glucuronide (E217G), estrone sulfate and estradiol-3-sulfate. This is the first report of in vitro synthesis of estrogen sulfates by adult renal tissue. Minor quantities of the 3-glucuronides of estrone and estradiol were also found. An oxygen atmosphere appeared to stimulate the production of E217G. A time study with tissue slices showed similarities between the in vitro pattern of glucuronide synthesis and the excretion pattern of these compounds seen in earlier in vivo studies. Homogenates fortified with uridine diphosphoglucuronic acid formed the same pattern of glucuronide products but in lesser amounts. No sulfates were formed under these conditions. Testosterone did not act as a substrate in the experimental conditions used.