Adrenal cortical hormones in human placenta.

Abstract

11-Dehydro-17-hydroxycorticosterone (cortisone) and a number of other adrenal cortical hormones and their metabolites have been found in human placentas. The ethyl acetate extract of a finely minced placenta, freed from blood so far as possible, was evaporated to small volume, washed with 0.2 M sodium carbonate, 0.2 N hydrochloric acid and 0.1 M sodium acetate and evaporated to dryness. The residue was taken up in petroleum ether and extracted with 70 per cent aqueous ethanol. The united lower layers were evaporated to dryness, and the residue was taken up in benzene which was extracted ten times with equal volumes of water. The united aqueous layers were extracted with chloroform, and the extract dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was examined by paper chromatography at 37° using a benzene–50 per cent methanol system1. Several α,β-unsaturated ketonic substances were present. That present in largest amount reduced triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, had the same RF value as cortisone and gave a blue colour with iodine. Elution with 90 per cent ethanol was followed by evaporation to dryness and acetylation with acetic anhydride in pyridine. The resulting acetate was examined by paper chromatography at 37° using a benzene–petroleum ether (1 : 1): 80 per cent methanol system, and was found to have the same RF value as cortisone acetate. Rough estimation of the fluorescence in ultra-violet light after treatment with methanolic caustic soda indicated a yield of approximately 100 µgm. cortisone per placenta. Traces of 17-hydroxycorticosterone are also present, and at least three other α,β-unsaturated 3-ketosteroids which are at present unidentified.