Prominent sex steroid metabolism in human lymphocytes.
Steroid metabolism was investigated in cultured human B-lymphoblastoid cells (B-LCL), and peripheral blood T and B cells. Gene expression was examined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction amplification (RT-PCR). Appropriate sized transcripts were detected in both cultured and fresh peripheral lymphocytes for CYP11A, CYP17, HSD11L (11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase I), HSD17B1 (17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I) and SRD5A1 (5alpha-reductase I). B-LCL, but not T and B cells, expressed CYP11B. There was minimal expression of HSD3B1 and HSD3B2 (3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase I and II) in B-LCL and T cells. Transcripts for CYP19 and HSD11K were not detected. Corresponding enzymatic activity was detectable only for 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5alpha-reductase, respectively producing testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Steroid identities were confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). One metabolite thought to be deoxycorticosterone was identified by GC/MS as 6alpha-hydroxypregnanolone. It was concluded that sex hormone metabolism, including androgen synthesis, occurs in lymphocytes, and may modulate immune response.
Department of Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital, New York University School of Medicine, Manhasset 11030, USA.
Z
Z
Zhou
C H
CH
Shackleton
S
S
Pahwa
P C
PC
White
P W
PW
Speiser
D000328:Adult; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D002460:Cell Line; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D017931:DNA Primers; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D013256:Steroids / Q000378:metabolism*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*
D017931:DNA Primers; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D013256:Steroids; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; D006913:Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases