Abstract
Summary
The effect of 17β-estradiol on folate coenzyme metabolism was studied in normal and castrated female rats. The capacity of conversion in vivo of folic acid into activated forms was investigated by measuring the quantity of folate derivatives in the urine and the liver folate coenzyme contents after injection of folic acid. An increase in the urinary excretion of folate metabolites and a decrease in the liver content of reduced folate forms in castrated rats was seen compared with normal rats. Treatment of castrated animals with 17β-estradiol were corrective. The enzymic activities involved in the folate coenzyme metabolism were assayed in vitro both in the liver and in the uterus. Severe alterations were observed in the enzymes of castrated animals and here, too, 17β-estradiol administration restored the biochemical lesions almost completely. The results show a possible influence on folate coenzyme synthesis by 17β-estradiol.
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