Abstract

A granulosa cell tumor was removed from a patient. Areas composed of intact granulosa cells and supporting stroma were chosen by frozen section. Tissue slices prepared from these areas were incubated with pregnenolone-7α-3H (3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one) in the presence of a second substrate, progesterone-4-14C. Substrates and products were diluted with carriers, extracted, isolated and identified by countercurrent distribution, column and thin layer chromatography, analytical countercurrent distribution, derivative formation and crystallization. 3H was associated with carrier δ5-3β-hydroxysteroids and δ4-3-ketosteroids. 14C was associated with δ4-3-ketosteroid carriers. Ratios of 3H to 14C are consistent with postulation of a pathway excluding progesterone as an obligatory intermediate for the production of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and a pathway excluding 17-hydroxyprogesterone as an obligatory intermediate for the production of androstenedione (androst-4-ene-3,17-dione). Other explanations for the results are discussed. Carrier estrogens and testosterone were isolated without significant radioactivity. Tumor granulosa cells were shown to be nonluteinized in parallel electron and light microscopic studies.

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