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Deoxycorticosterone sulfate biosynthesis in human fetal kidney
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 1, 1981
Summary
Human fetal kidneys synthesize deoxycorticosterone sulfate (DOC-SO4) and deoxycorticosterone (DOC). This explains the high levels of these steroids in newborn umbilical cord plasma.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
- Steroid Metabolism
Background:
- Deoxycorticosterone (DOC) and DOC-SO4 levels are exceptionally high in human newborn umbilical cord plasma.
- Progesterone conversion to DOC occurs in human fetal kidney tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if sulfurylation of DOC occurs in the fetal kidney.
- To determine the site of DOC-SO4 synthesis in fetal development.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of human fetal kidney tissue minces with radiolabeled DOC and progesterone.
- Characterization of C-21 hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase activity in fetal kidney cytosolic fractions.
- Determination of kinetic parameters (Km) for C-21 hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase.
Main Results:
- Radiolabeled DOC-SO4 was synthesized from DOC and progesterone in human fetal kidney minces.
- C-21 hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase activity is primarily in the cytosolic fraction of fetal kidney.
- The apparent Km of the enzyme for DOC was 4.7 microM.
Conclusions:
- The human fetal kidney synthesizes both DOC and DOC-SO4.
- The kidney is identified as a significant site for the formation of these steroids found at high concentrations in fetal blood.