Camphoroquinone reduction: another reaction catalyzed by rat liver cytosol 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

A new purification scheme is described for the female rat liver cytosolic enzyme dually catalyzing the oxidation of androsterone (3 alpha-hydroxysteroid:NAD(P)+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.50) and acenaphthenol (trans-1,2-dihydrobenzene-1,2-diol:NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.3.1.20). This purification procedure yielded the most highly purified preparation of this enzyme thus far published as adjudged from its androsterone oxidation activity. In addition, we have demonstrated that this purified enzyme also catalyzes the reduction of camphoroquinone, a natural monoterpene, non-aromatic quinone. The nature of the products of the camphoroquinone reduction has been partially elucidated and agrees with previously published results (Robertson, J.S. and Solomon, E. (1971) Biochem. J. 121, 503-509). Kinetic studies of the metabolism of androsterone, camphoroquinone and acenaphthenol by the enzyme have been performed, yielding respective Km and Vmax values. The results of these studies allow a clarification of the mechanism of action of this enzyme, particularly with respect to its dihydrodiol dehydrogenase activity.