Identification by gas chromatography mass spectrometry of intermediates in the aromatization of modified C19 steroids by human placental microsomes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0039-128X(74)90038-5

Analogs of 4 androstene 3,17 dione and testosterone were tested as substrates for the aromatizing enzyme complex of human placenta. Compounds modified in rings B, C, and D were found to be aromatized via a pathway similar to that postulated for 4 androstene 3,17 dione and testosterone, in which oxidation to the 19 hydroxy and 19 oxo (or corresponding gem diol) intermediates occurs. No evidence of additional intermediates was obtained.