Gunasegaram R, Peh K L, Loganath A, Ng S C, Kottegoda S R, Ratnam S S
J Perinat Med. 1985;13(3):143-6.
Based on the observations that human fetal membranes possess the ability to synthesize steroid hormones, we sought to investigate the precursor role of 2 - 14C acetate in cholesterol formation by term human fetal amnion. Concentrations of derivatized 14C cholesterol was measured by reverse-isotope dilution technique in incubations of 2 - 14C acetate with homogenates of term fetal amnion dissected from 5 human placentae (37-40 weeks gestation) delivered vaginally from uncomplicated pregnancies (age 22-29 years). Controls consisted of homogenates heated in a boiling water bath for 10 min. The data presented demonstrate incorporation of 2-14C acetate into 14C cholesterol by the viable tissue. The extent of enzymic conversion varied from 0.002% to 0.076%. The small but definite conversion indicates that the homogenates of term human fetal amnion contain the full complement of enzymes necessary to catalyse the transformation of acetate to cholesterol. The metabolic need for cholesterol supply during labor is discussed.
