Oestriol metabolism by rat- and rabbit-liver slices. Isolation of 2-methoxyoestriol and 2-hydroxyoestriol

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Abstract
The metabolism of estriol by rat-liver slices has been shown to be stimulated by oxygen and inhibited by nitrogen. These results have led to the detection of 2 previously unknown metabolites of estriol in vitro. These have been characterized as 2-methoxyestriol and 2-hydroxyestriol by melting points and infrared spectrometry. The 2-methoxyestriol has been further characterized by optical rotation and UV spectroscopy. No other phenolic metabolites of estriol could be detected. With rat-liver slices, the yields of 2-methoxyestriol and 2-hydroxyestriol are 10 and 18% respectively. Rabbit-liver slices produce more of the 2-hydroxy compounds but less 2-methoxyestriol than does rat liver, whereas ox liver produces neither of these metabolites. With rat-liver slices, about 40% of the estriol is unaccounted for. No glucuronides could be detected. The possible fate of this estriol is discussed.