In vitro O-methylation of 4-hydroxyestrone monosulfates

In vitro O-methylation of 4-hydroxyestrone monosulfates has been examined by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. When 4-hydroxyestrone or its 3-sulfate was incubated with rat liver homogenate in the presence of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, the 4-methyl ether was formed in twelve times larger amount than the 3-methyl ether. 4-Hydroxyestrone 4-sulfate served for O-methylation to much less extent as a substrate namely, only a small amount of the 4-methyl ether was formed. Enzymic sulfation of 4-hydroxyestrone with rat liver 105000 g supernatant fortified with adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate provided solely catechol estrogen 4-sulfates. The participation of catechol O-methyltransferase and aryl sulfatase in the formation of guaiacol estrogens has been discussed.