STEROID HYDROXYLATION IN HUMAN FETAL ADRENALS1

Abstract

Homogenates of human fetal adrenals were incubated in vitro with a TPNH generating system and progesterone or 17α-hydroxyprogesterone as substrate. At all ages tested the adrenals possessed the ability to convert progesterone to Porter-Silber chromogens having the chromatographic properties of cortisol. In addition, incubations with adrenal slices revealed the presenceof an active hexosemonophosphate shunt, which could provide TPNH for the steroid hydroxylations. There was no difference with age in hydroxylation per mg. adrenal tissue; however, as adrenal glandsize increased the amount of cortisol formed per adrenal increased.