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THE DERMOSTRATION OF HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVIY IN HUMAN FOETAL SKIN IN THE FIRST 32 WEEKS OF GESTATION
Author(s) -
SHARP FRANK,
CALMAN KENNETH C.,
MILNE JOHN A.,
YOUNG HAMISH
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1970.tb15042.x
Subject(s) - gestation , hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase , dehydrogenase , medicine , fetus , obstetrics , pregnancy , biology , enzyme , biochemistry , genetics
SUMMARY.— Specimens of skin of 25 human foetuses from 8 to 32 weeks gestation were incubated to demonstrate the presence of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases by histochemical methods. 17β‐HSD was demonstrated at 16 weeks gestation, when fully differentiated sebaceous glands were first visualized. 3β‐HSD and 16β‐HSD were recognized at a later stage. These enzymes were found only in sebaceous glands and in no other appendages. A comparison between the human foetal and adult pattern of enzyme activity has been drawn, and the significance of the results discussed.