In VitroProduction of Testosterone in a Human Adrenal Homogenate

Abstract

Testosterone and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione have been isolated and identified by isotope dilution techniques from an incubation of progesterone-7-H³ and 17αhydroxyprogesterone-4-C¹⁴ with a homogenate of a normal human adrenal gland. This study offers substantial proof that the production by the adrenal of this highly active androgen, testosterone, is possible under normal physiologic circumstances. In addition, the steroid conversions performed by the adrenal homogenate are in accordance with the biosynthetic pathway described in both normal human testis and ovary for C₁₉ androgen elaboration.