Which substance is a placental precursor for estradiol formation?

Study for the Bishop Clinical Chemistry Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which substance is a placental precursor for estradiol formation?

Explanation:
Estradiol in pregnancy is made in the placenta by aromatizing androgens provided by the fetus. The fetal adrenal gland releases DHEA and its sulfate, DHEAS, which cross into the placental tissue and are converted by placental aromatase into estrogens, including estradiol. This makes fetal adrenal DHEAS the key placental precursor for estradiol formation. Maternal testosterone can be aromatized as well, but the principal substrate driving placental estradiol synthesis is the fetal adrenal DHEAS.

Estradiol in pregnancy is made in the placenta by aromatizing androgens provided by the fetus. The fetal adrenal gland releases DHEA and its sulfate, DHEAS, which cross into the placental tissue and are converted by placental aromatase into estrogens, including estradiol. This makes fetal adrenal DHEAS the key placental precursor for estradiol formation. Maternal testosterone can be aromatized as well, but the principal substrate driving placental estradiol synthesis is the fetal adrenal DHEAS.

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