METABOLISM OF ESTRONE IN MEN AND NON-PREGNANT WOMEN1

Abstract

The estrogen titers of 3 principal phenolic fractions of the pooled urines of 8 [male] and 13 [female] patients were detd. before and after inj. of estrone. These fractions were (a) the "strong" phenolic, (b) the "weak phenolic non-ketonic and (c) the "weak" phenolic ketonic. By the application to such fractions of certain partitionings between solvents and an alcoholic separation (succinic anhydride), evidence was obtained that the 3 principal urine fractions behave as though they contain estriol, estradiol, and estrone, respectively. After the inj. of estrone the titer of all 3 fractions increased. The calculated recoveries indicate a conversion of the injected estrone principally to estriol, but also to estradiol. Less than 2% of the injected estrogen could be accounted for by the increased urinary excretion. Although the [female] patients have higher pre-injection urinary titers than the [male] patients, the calculated recoveries of injected estrogens show no marked differences between the sexes.