Systemic Distribution of Steroid Sulfatase and Estrogen Sulfotransferase in Human Adult and Fetal Tissues

摘要: Estrogens play a key role in various target tissues. Enzymes involved the biosynthesis and metabolism of these sex steroids also regulate estrogenic actions Estrone sulfate (E1S) is major circulating plasma estrogen that converted into biologically active estrogen, estrone (E1), by steroid sulfatase (STS). E1 sulfated reverted E1S sulfotransferase (EST). These two enzymes have recently been shown to important roles situ steroid-dependent human tumors. However, distribution STS EST normal adult fetal tissues remains largely unknown. Therefore, this study, addition examining tissue both mRNA using RT followed quantitative PCR, we studied activity 3 H-labeled E1/E1S as substrates homogenates We examined localization protein immunohistochemistry, kidney laser dissection microscopy PCR. mRNA, enzyme activity, immunoreactivity were either absent or detected at very low levels all study. expression, however, was examined, except for spleen pancreas. activities consistent with those expression great majority examined. Marked hepatocytes, adrenal gland (adult, zona fasciculate reticularis; fetus, zone), epithelial cells gastrointestinal tract, smooth muscle tunica media aorta, Leydig testis, syncytiotrophoblast placenta. Patterns immunolocalization similar between tissues, but urinary tubules kidney, whereas it localized interstitial surrounding tubules. In presence confirmed RT-PCR. Although number available examination study limited, our results suggest activation inactivation, not more widely expressed peripheral humans. speculate may an protecting from possible excessive effects. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 87: 5760 –5768, 2002)