Summary
Infusion of nonradiolabelled dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHA-S) has been used
to investigate the possible formation of oestrone sulphate via a sulpha ted conjugate
of androstenedione. The metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of DHA-S also was measured
and the mean value (25 1/24h) was similar to values reported using isotopic techniques.
Although conversion of DHA-S to 5-androstenediol, a steroid with oestrogenic properties,
was detected during infusion of DHA-S, there were no significant increases in plasma
levels of conjugated androstenedione or oestrone sulphate. The MCR's oestrone sulphate
measured using infusion of non-radiolabelled steroid in two menopausal women were
99 1/24h and 121 1/24h. For one woman, the production rate of oestrone sulphate, calculated
from the conversion of oestrone and oestradiol to oestrone sulphate (151 nmol/ day)
was similar to the measured production rate of oestrone sulphate (144 nmol/day). It
is concluded that in menopausal women, oestrone sulphate is derived from conversion
of oestrone and oestradiol with no formation occurring via conjugated androstenedione.
Key-Words
Oestrone Sulphate
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Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate
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Oestrone
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Metabolic Clearance Rate
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Transfer Constant
