CHARACTERIZATION OF ESTRONE HYDROXYLASE-ACTIVITIES IN PORCINE ENDOMETRIAL CELLS

The oxidation of estradiol to estrone in porcine endometrial cells is succeeded by hydroxylation at either 6 alpha- or 7 alpha-. The products are devoid of receptor affinity. Their formation is inhibited by cytochrome P450 blockers like ketoconazol but not by chloroquine and analogues. The hydroxylation at 6 alpha- proceeds with K-M = 1.9 x 10(-7) M, that at 7 alpha- with K-M = 3.6 x 10(-7) M. The respective values for the cytochrome P450-reductase cosubstrate NADPH are 1.7 x 10(-5) M and 1.9 x 10(-5) M. The kinetic parameters of the enzymes are compatible with a metabolic sequence: estradiol --> estrone --> 6 alpha-/7 alpha-estrone.