抄録
The studies on the mechanisms involved in the selective O-methylation of the catechol estrogen in the rat have been undertaken. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that the catechol 2-glucuronide and 3-sulfate underwent O-methylation preferentially at the unconjugated phenolic group yielding the 3- and 2-monomethyl ethers, respectively. It was also demonstrated that the catechol monoglucuronide was directly transformed into the corresponding methyl ether with retention of the glycoside linkage. These results are indicative of the active participation of conjugation in the metabolic transformation of steroid hormones in the living animals.
