Some in vivo and in vitro Interactions of Oestrogen Sulphates with the Mouse Uterus and Vagina

Abstract

The in vivo and in vitro uptake and metabolism of [3HJoestradiol 3-sulphate and [3HJoestrone 3-sulphate by the mouse uterus and vagina were examined. After intravaginal injection of either sulphate, radioactivity disappeared from the vagina at a rate which was greater than that seen with [3HJ-17 If-oestradiol, similar to that seen with [3HJoestrone, but somewhat less than that previously observed with some non-oestrogenic steroids. Sixteen minutes after intravaginal administration of either sulphate there was significant hydrolysis in the vagina, but the greater part of the radioactivity was still associated with the sulphates. No interconversion of the conjugates was observed, but the formation of oestradiol was favoured following hydrolysis of the conjugates to the free steroids. Plasma levels of radioactivity were very low and would have directly accounted for little of the tissue radioactivity.