Oestrone sulphate metabolism in normal human endometrium grown in organ culture

Samples of human endometrium were maintained in organ culture for 6 days on growth medium. On Day 6, ultrastructural studies were performed on endometrial explants, demonstrating that human endometrium grown in organ culture preserved its normal structure. The effect of oestrone sulphate was studied on the endometrium explants. The endometrium was cultured on harvest medium for 4 days to ensure the complete removal of endogenous steroids, the tissues were then incubated with 10(-7) M oestrone sulphate for 24 h. The oestrone sulphatase known to interfere with oestrone sulphate metabolism was present in endometrial organ culture. By incubation with estrone sulphate for 24 h it was demonstrated that oestrone sulphate is hydrolysed to active oestrogens.