OESTRIOL METABOLISM IN AN ANENCEPHALIC MONSTER

Abstract

Oestriol-16-C14 was injected into the umbilical vein of a newborn anencephalic monster and the circulating and excreted radioactive material was analysed. Ten to 12 minutes following injection more than 98% of the circulating radioactive material was in a conjugated form. More than 75% of this conjugated material was identified as oestriol-3-sulphate and more than 20% as oestriol-3-sulphate, 16(17?)-glucosiduronate. No oestriol-16(17?)-glucosiduronate could be detected in the blood. Less than 1.0% of the radioactive material was excreted in the urine as unconjugated oestriol. Approximately 50% was present as oestriol-16(17?)-glucosiduronate, more than 16% as oestriol-3-sulphate and more than 25% as oestriol-3-sulphate, 16(17 ?)-glucosid-uronate. At least 98% of the oestrogen moiety of the various radioactive conjugates was identified as oestriol.