Metabolism of estrone sulfate in endometriotic tissue and in uterine endometrium in proliferative and secretory cycle phase.

The metabolism of [3H]estrone sulfate (E1S) into [3H]estrone (E1) and [3H]estradiol-17 beta (E2) was studied in samples of endometriotic tissue and uterine endometrium obtained simultaneously from 13 patients, 7 in the proliferative and 5 in the secretory cycle phase, and 1 menstruating. E1S was efficiently converted into E1 and E2 by both types of tissue. Total hydrolysis (formation of E1 + E2), as well as the specific formation of E2, was higher in uterine endometrium than in endometriotic tissue, especially in the proliferative phase. Cycle phase associated variations in E2 formation occurred in both tissues, but were statistically significant only for uterine endometrium. E2 formation and total hydrolysis were correlated in endometriotic tissue, but not in uterine endometrium, indicating certain differences in the regulation of estrogen metabolism.