Enzymic Steroid Conversions in a Masculinovoblastoma

The in vitro metabolism of steroid hormones in a masculinovoblastoma has been investigated. Studies with testosterone and androstenedione revealed a metabolic block at the aromatization step. The tumor exhibited the capacity to form small quantities of 21- but not 11-hydroxylated compounds from 4-C14-progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. With the exception of the aromatization process, the tumor appeared to metabolize progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in essentially the same manner as normal ovary. The similarity of the steroid metabolic pattern to that of normal ovarian tissue indicates that it was not derived from ectopic adrenal tissue. Rather, it appears to have originated from ovarian cells that have lost their capacity to aromatize ring A. A block at the aromatizing step would be expected to result in an accumulation of androstenedione and related compounds that would be conducive to the masculinizing effects observed in this disease.