FORMATION OF ANDROGENS BY HUMAN ARRHENOBLASTOMA TISSUEIN VITRO*†

Abstract

Arrheno -blastoma tissue slices were incubated in vitro with progesterone-4-C14. The radioactive products isolated were 20[alpha]-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 20[beta]-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 4-androstene-3,17-dione and testosterone. No estrogen was formed, nor was there evidence of the presence of the enzyme 11[beta]-hydroxylase. Considerable significance is attached to the demonstration of the biosynthesis, in this tumor tissue, of the very potent androgen testosterone, as affording a ready explanation for the virilism associated with the syndrome and the frequent finding of normal (or slightly elevated) urinary 17-ketosteroid levels.