title: The human placenta expresses CYP17 and generates androgens de novo.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The human placenta is believed to have insignificant CYP17 expression, rendering it dependent on the maternal and fetal compartments for the necessary androgenic precursors to yield the high levels of estrogens seen in pregnancy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to analyze whether the human trophoblast is capable of expressing CYP17 and producing androgens de novo.
  
  
  METHODS
  Human trophoblasts from fresh placentas and JEG-3 cells were used for all experiments. CYP17 mRNA analysis was performed via RT-PCR, and protein detection by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. Steroid products were quantified using RIAs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CYP17 mRNA was expressed in both cell types. CYP17 protein was detected by Western blotting and localized by immunostaining mainly to the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblasts. Measurement of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, and their aromatized products in the media further demonstrated CYP17 expression and activity in the human trophoblast. Baseline levels of CYP17 steroid products were higher in primary cells and significantly increased in the presence of 22-hydroxycholesterol.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have demonstrated CYP17 mRNA and protein expression and activity in human trophoblasts. Considering the precursor concentration, blood flow, and mass of the placenta, we suggest that its contribution of androgens is an important source of estrogen production in pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75235-9032, USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Escobar
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: V E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Beshay
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Carr
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000757:Anencephaly / Q000378:metabolism; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003470:Culture Media; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006888:Hydroxycholesterols / Q000378:metabolism; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010920:Placenta / Q000201:enzymology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013254:Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013256:Steroids / Q000378:metabolism; D013429:Sulfatases / Q000172:deficiency; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000728:Androgens; D003470:Culture Media; D006888:Hydroxycholesterols; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013256:Steroids; C003585:22-hydroxycholesterol; D013254:Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase; D013429:Sulfatases