The dual effect of calcium on aromatization by cultured human trophoblast

To study the effect of calcium ion on aromatization of an androgenic precursor to estradiol by the placenta, cultured term trophoblasts were used as a model system. Secretion of estradiol into the culture medium was regarded as indicating aromatization, since cells cultured with no androgenic precursors produced only insignificant amounts of estradiol. EGTA, verapamil and ionophore A23187 inhibited aromatization, while trifluoperazine, an inhibitor of the calcium-calmodulin complex, interfered with the stimulatory effect of cyclic AMP on aromatization. We conclude that calcium ion has an essential role in the aromatization of 4-androstene-3,17-dione to estradiol. The calcium-calmodulin complex is required for activation of aromatase by cyclic AMP. However, when flooded with calcium by ionophore A23187, the trophoblast is unable to effectively buffer calcium, and aromatization is inhibited.