INHIBITION OF SYNTHESIS OF SULFATED MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES BY ESTRADIOL

The influence of estradiol upon incorporation of isotopes into the sulfated acid mucopolysaccharides of connective tissues of the rat has been studied. Administration of the hormone for 3 weeks significantly reduces the in vitro incorporation of S(35)-sulfate into cartilage and thoracic aorta without significantly altering the amount of hydrolyzable sulfate in these tissues. The reduction of sulfate incorporation into these tissues by estradiol represents reduced synthesis since the hormone reduces incorporation of sulfate into the acid mucopolysaccharides of the tissue to the same extent and since reduction in incorporation of C(14)-glucose also parallels S(35)-sulfate incorporation into acid mucopolysaccharides. The rate of synthesis of sulfated acid mucopolysaccharides is greater in thoracic aorta than abdominal aorta or cartilage. Since the amount of hydrolyzable sulfate is the same in these two portions of aorta, the turnover is also more rapid in the thoracic aorta.