The in vitro conversion of male sex steroid, [1,2- 3H]-androstenedione in normal and inflamed human gingiva

Abstract

The metabolism of androstenedione in inflamed human gingiva was studied. High activity of 17β-hydroxy-C 19-steroid oxidereductase was shown by the formation of testosterone as the major product from androstenedione. Other enzyme activities were present including 5α-reductase and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, but the amount of androsterone formed from androstenedione was low. The metabolism was compared with that in normal gingiva where it was found that the extent of metabolism was much less. The average rate of conversion of androstenedione to testosterone in normal and inflamed gingiva was 3.5 × 10 −7and 7.3 × 10 −7 μM/g/min respectively. The possible significance of the products formed and the differences between normal and inflamed gingival metabolism are discussed.