Synthesis and NMR structural analysis of O-succinyl derivative of low-molecular-weight κ-carrageenan

Low-molecular-weight (LMW) κ-carrageenan was achieved through mild hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of κ-carrageenan. The acylation of LMW κ-carrageenan was performed by use of tetrabutylammonium (TBA) salt of the anionic polysaccharide fragments, succinic anhydride, 4-dimethylaminopyridine and tributylamine under homogeneous conditions in N,N-dimethylformamide at 80 °C. Investigation of FT-IR spectrum of the succinylated LMW κ-carrageenan showed that a monoester derivative with succinyl group was formed when LMW κ-carrageenan reacted with succinic anhydride. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy has been used to characterize the fine structure of O-succinyl derivative of the LMW κ-carrageenan. The ¹³C and ¹H NMR chemical shifts of disaccharide unit of O-succinyl LMW κ-carrageenan have been fully assigned using 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques.     

Rationally designed PKA inhibitors for positron emission tomography: Synthesis and cerebral biodistribution of N-(2-(4-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl)-N-[11C]methyl-isoquinoline-5-sulfonamide

Protein kinase A (PKA) is an important signal transduction target for drug development because it influences critical cellular processes implicated in neuropsychiatric illnesses such as major depressive disorder. The goal of the present study was to develop the first imaging agent for measuring the levels of PKA with positron emission tomography (PET). By rational derivatization of 5-isoquinoline sulfonamides, it was found that the introduction of a methyl group to the sulphonamidic nitrogen on the known PKA inhibitors N-(2-aminoethyl)isoquinoline-5-sulfonamide (H-9, 1) and N-(2-(4-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl)isoquinoline-5-sulfonamide (H-89, 2), (yielding N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-methyl-isoquinoline-5-sulfonamide (4) and N-(2-(4-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl)-N-methyl-isoquinoline-5-sulfonamide (5), respectively) does not appreciably reduce in vitro potency toward PKA. We have facilitated the synthesis of 4 by reacting isoquinoline-5-sulfonyl chloride with N-methylethylenediamine (20% yield). Several techniques were used to thoroughly characterize 4 including multi (¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N) NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Compound 4 and 1-(4-bromophenyl)-1-propen-3-yl bromide were reacted to produce 5 in 16% yield. Compound 2 was reacted with [¹¹C]CH₃I to prepare N-(2-(4-bromocinnamylamino) ethyl)-N-[¹¹C]methyl-isoquinoline-5-sulfonamide ([¹¹C]5), with a decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 32%, based on [¹¹C]CO₂. [¹¹C]5 was produced with >98% radiochemical purity and 1130 mCi/μmol specific activity after 40 min (end of synthesis). Conscious rats were administered [¹¹C] 5 and sacrificed at 5, 15, 30 and 60 min after injection. Radioactivity from all excised brain regions was <0.2%ID/g at all time points. The modest brain penetration of [¹¹C]5 may limit its use for studying PKA in the central nervous system.     

Bradykinin effects on phospholipid metabolism and its relation to arachidonic acid turnovers in neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid cells (NG 108-15)

In neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid cells (NG 108-15) labelled with [³²P]-trisodium phosphate, [³H]-inositol and [¹⁴C]-arachidonic acid, bradykinin stimulated the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) while it had no effect on the release of [¹⁴C]-arachidonic acid (AA). The effect on PIP, was time- and dose-dependent with a maximal effect on [³H]-inositol- and [³²P]-labelled cells after 10–30 s of stimulation with 10⁻⁶ M bradykinin. However, the hydrolysis of [¹⁴C]-AA labelled PIP₂ was delayed compared to the effect on [³H]- and [¹⁴C]-PIP₂ and was not detectable until after 60 s of stimulation. Bradykinin stimulation resulted in an increased formation of [³H]-inositol phosphates (IP) and [³²P]- and [¹⁴P]- and [¹⁴C]-phosphatidic acid (PA) but the time course for PA formation did not allow the time-course for PIP₂ hydrolysis. A reduced labelling of [²³P]- and [¹⁴C]-phosphatidylcholine was also found in stimulated cells suggesting that PA may derive from other sources than PIP₂. In conclusion, our results indicate that bradykinin activates phospholipase C, but not phospholipase A₂, in NG 108-15 cells.     

Studies on Bacillus stearothermophilus. Part 1. Transformation of progesterone to a new metabolite 9,10-seco-4-pregnene-3,9,20-trione.

When Bacillus stearothermophilus, a thermophilic bacterium isolated from the Kuwaiti desert, was incubated with exogenous progesterone for 24 h, three monohydroxylated metabolites were produced. 20-Hydroxyprogesterone was the major metabolite produced in 60.8 relative percentage yield. The other two monohydroxylated metabolites were identified as 6β-hydroxyprogesterone and the rare 6-hydroxyprogesterone in 21.0 and 13.6 relative percentage yields, respectively. A new metabolite 9,10-seco-4-pregnene-3,9,20-trione was isolated in 3.7 relative percentage yield. All metabolites were purified by preparative TLC and HPLC followed by their identification using ¹H, ¹³C NMR and other spectroscopic data.     

Synthesis, solution behaviour and molecular structures of 16-electron closo-2-(Ph3P)-1-N,2-[μ-(η-CH2CH=Ch2)]-1-N-(σ-CH2CH=CH2)-2,1- RhCB10H10, the first η-olefinic monocarbon metallacarborane

The first η²-olefinic monocarbon metallacarbone closo-2-(Ph₃P)-1-N,2-[μ-(η²-CH₂CH=Ch₂)]-1-N-(σ-CH₂CH=CH₂)-2,1- RhCB₁₀H₁₀ has been prepared by the reaction of the dimeric anion {[Ph₃PRhB₁₀H₁₀CNH₂]₂-μ-H}⁻[PPN]⁺ with allyl bromide and characterized by a combination of spectroscopic methods and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The variable temperature ¹H and ¹³C NMR studies revealed the fluxional behavior of the η²-olefinic complex in CD₂Cl₂ solution which is associated with the allyl side-chain exchange process.     

Glucose Metabolism in the Developing Cerebral Cortex as Detected by 1H{13C} Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Ex Vivo

Abstract: Metabolism of [1-¹³C]glucose was monitored in superfused cerebral cortex slice preparations from 1-, 2-, and 5-week-old rats using ¹H-observed/¹³C-edited (¹H{¹³C}) NMR spectroscopy. The rate of label incorporation into glutamate C-4 did not differ among the three age groups: 0.52–0.67% of total ¹H NMR-detected glutamate/min. This was rather unexpected, as oxygen uptake proceeded at 1.1 ± 0.1, 1.9 ± 0.1, and 2.0 ± 0.1 µmol/min/g wet weight in brain slices prepared from 1-, 2-, and 5-week-old animals, respectively. Steady-state glutamate C-4 fractional enrichments in the slice preparations were ∼23% in all age groups. In the acid extracts of slices glutamate C-4 enrichments were smaller, however, in 1- and 2-week-old (17.8 ± 1.7 and 16.8 ± 0.8%, respectively) than in 5-week-old rats (22.7 ± 0.7%) after 75 min of incubation with 5 m M [1-¹³C]glucose. We add a new assignment to the ¹H{¹³C} NMR spectroscopy, as acetate C-2 was detected in slice preparations from 5-week-old animals. In the acid extracts of slice preparations acetate C-2 was labeled by ∼30% in 5-week-old rats but by 15% in both 1- and 2-week-old animals, showing that the turnover rate was increased in 5-week-old animals. In the extracts 3–4% of the C-6 of N -acetyl-aspartate (NAA; CH₃ of the acetyl group) contained label as determined by both NMR and mass spectrometry, which indicated that there was no significant labeling to other carbons in NAA. NAA accumulated label from [1-¹³C]glucose but not from [2-¹³C]acetate, and the rate of label incorporation increased by threefold on cerebral maturation.     

Methylenedioxy- and methoxyflavones from Melicope coodeana syn. Euodia simplex

Three new natural products, 3,8-dimethoxy-5,7-dihydroxy-3′,4′-methylenedioxyflavone, 3,6,8-trimethoxy-5,7-dihydroxy-3′,4′-methylenedioxyflavone and 3,6,8,3′,4′-pentamethoxy-5,7-dihydroxyflavone were isolated from Melicope coodeana syn. Euodia simplex (Rutaceae) along with 3,6,3′-trimethoxy-5,7,4′-trihydroxyflavone and 3,3′-dimethoxy-5,7,4′-trihydroxyflavone. The structural assignments are based on ¹H and ¹³C NMR data, including discussion of the chemical shifts of C-2 in 3,5-dihydroxy- and 3-methoxy-5-hydroxyflavones. The presence of highly methoxylated and methylenedioxyflavones is characteristic of the genus Melicope, and the present findings support the recent transfer of Euodia simplex to Melicope.     

Sesquiterpene polyol esters from Celastrus rosthornianus

Two new sesquiterpene polyol esters with β-dihydroagarofuran skeleton were isolated from the root bark of Celastrus rosthornianus. Their structures were elucidated, mainly on the basis of spectral analyses, as 1 β-acetoxy-8β,9-dibenzoyloxy-6-hydroxy-2β(-methylbutanoyloxy)-β-dihydroagarofuran and 1β-acetoxy-9-benzoyloxy-8β-(β-furanocarbonyloxy)-6-hydroxy-2β(-methylbutanoyloxy)-β-dihydroagarofuran. The complete assignments of ¹³C NMR chemical shifts for both compounds on the basis of ¹H-¹³C chemical-shift correlation spectrum were also carried out.     

1H and 13C NMR characteristics of synthetic derivatives of steroid sapogenins. Part III. 16Beta,23:23,26-diepoxy side chains

The full assignments of the ¹H and ¹³C NMR signals of steroids bearing the 16β,23:23,26-diepoxy side chain are provided. Differentiation of the diasterotopic H-26 pair was achieved with the aid of NOESY experiments. The main substituent and steric effects associated with this moiety and their influence on the chemical shifts of the neighboring atoms are discussed.     

O-maleoyl derivative of low-molecular-weight κ-carrageenan: Synthesis and characterization

Low-molecular-weight (LMW) κ-carrageenan was achieved through mild hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of κ-carrageenan. The acylation of low-molecular-weight κ-carrageenan was performed by use of tetrabutylammonium (TBA) salt of the anionic polysaccharide fragments, maleic anhydride, 4-dimethylaminopyridine and tributylamine under homogeneous conditions in N,N-dimethylformamide at 60 °C. Analysis of FT-IR spectrum of O-maleoyl κ-carrageenan showed that a monoester derivative with maleoyl group was formed when LMW κ-carrageenan reacted with maleic anhydride. Investigation of ¹H NMR spectroscopy revealed that the maleoylation took place regioselectively at C-2 of the κ-carrageenan 3-linked unit.     

Preparation of sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic succinates using NBS as a catalyst

The chemical modification of native sugarcane bagasse hemicelluloses with succinic anhydride using N-bromosuccinimide as a catalyst and N,N-dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride system as solvent was studied. The parameters optimised included succinic anhydride concentration by the molar ratio of succinic anhydride/anhydroxylose units in native hemicelluloses from 1:1 to 9:1, reaction time 0.5–6 h, NBS concentration 0.5–3.0%, and reaction temperature 25–85 °C required in the process. Results were also compared with other catalysts such as pyridine, DMAP, H₂SO₄, and other two tertiary amine catalysts, N-methyl pyrrolidine, and N-methyl pyrrolidinone. The degree of substitution of succinylated hemicelluloses ranged between 0.19 and 1.39, depending on the experimental conditions. FT-IR and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic characterization of the esterified polymers indicated a monoester substitution. The thermal stability of the succinylated hemicelluloses decreased upon chemical modification.     

Identification of the acidic degradation products of hexenuronic acid and characterisation of hexenuronic acid-substituted xylooligosaccharides by NMR spectroscopy

A 4-O-methylglucuronoxylan was converted into a hexenuronoxylan at high temperature and alkalinity similar to the conditions used during kraft pulping. The hexenuronoxylan was hydrolysed with enzymes, and acidic xylooligosaccharides were separated from the hydrolysate by anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. The primary structure of the two main hexenuronic acid-substituted xylooligosaccharides (a tetramer and a pentamer) was determined by two-dimensional ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The 4-deoxy-hexenutronic acid is not stable under the acid hydrolysis step of conventional carbohydrate analysis. Here, we have identified the acidic degradation products of 4-deoxy-hexenuronic acid by NMR spectroscopy. Two degradation pathways were observed, both resulting in a furan derivative.     

Reaction of sulfur diimides with organoboranes — studied by multinuclear magnetic resonance in solution

Reactions between sulfur diimides R(NSN)R′ (R=R′=^tBu (1a), SiMe₃ (1b), SnMe₃ (1c); R=^tBu, R′=SnMe₃ (1d); R=SiMez₃, R′=SnMe₃ (1e)) and various organoboranes were studied, and the products were characterized by multinuclear magnetic resonance data (¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C, ¹⁵N, ²⁹Si and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR). Tetraalkyldiboranes(6) (Et₂BH₂BEt₂ (2), dimeric 9-borobicyclo[3,3.1]nonane (3)) react with 1a and 1b by 1,3-hydroboration to give the N-sulfanyl-dialkylaminoboranes 4 and 5 which are instable with respect to eliminatio of short-lived [R---NS]. Trialkylboranes (Et₃B (8)) react only sluggishly with 1a, but more readily with 1b mainly via S-ethylation, formally a 1,2-ethyloboration, to give the diethylborylamido-imino-ethanesulfinic acid 9b decomposes slowly at room temperature via ethene elimination to give 4b, followed by further decomposition via [R---NS] elimination. The compounds 9 can be prepared independently from the reaction between the N-lithio-imino-ethanesulfinic acid amide 10 and diorganoboron halides. The molecular structure of the lithium amide 10a (R=R′=tBu) was determined by X-ray analysis as a dimer in which the four nitrogen, two sulfur and two lithium atoms adopt a boat conformation, in contrast with other known derivatives of this type. If the sulfur diimides bear at least one trimethylstannyl group (1c-e), their reactions with Et₃B (8), iPr₃B (12) or 9-iso-butyl-9-borabicyclo[3,3,1]nonane (13) lead to the novel aminoboranes 14–16. These are products of a 1,1,-organoboration, since the Me₃Sn group moves from one nitrogen atom to the other, and both the boryl and an alkyl group end up at the same nitrogen atom.     

NMR studies of [U-C]cyclosporin A bound to human cyclophilin B

NMR data (¹H and ¹³C chemical shifts, NOEs) on [[U-¹³C]cyclosporin A bound to cyclophilin B were compared to previously published data on the [U-¹³C]CsA/CyPA complex [Fesik et al., (1991) Biochemistry 30, 6574–6583]. Despite only 64% sequence identity between CyPA and CyPB, the conformation and active site environment of CsA when bound to CyPA and CyPB are nearly identical as judged by the similarity of the NMR data.     

Variation in δC values for the seagrass Thalassia testudinum and its relations to mangrove carbon

Carbon isotope ratios (¹³C/¹²C) were measured for the leaves of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum Banks ex König and carbonates of shells collected at the seagrass beds from seven sites along the coast of southern Florida, U.S.A. The δ¹³C values of seagrass leaves ranged from −7.3 to −16.3‰ among different study sites, with a significantly lower mean value for seagrass leaves from those sites near mangrove forests (−12.8 ± 1.1‰) than those far from mangrove forests (−8.3 ± 0.9‰; P < 0.05). Furthermore, seagrass leaves from a shallow water area had significantly lower δ¹³C values than those found in a deep water area (P < 0.01). There was no significant variation in δ¹³C values between young and mature leaves (P = 0.59) or between the tip and base of a leaf blade (P = 0.46). Carbonates of shells also showed a significantly lower mean δ¹³C value in the mangrove areas (−2.3 ± 0.6‰) than in the non-mangrove areas (0.6 ± 0.3‰; P <0.025). In addition, the δ¹³C values of seagrass leaves were significantly correlated with those of shell carbonates (δ¹³C seagrass leaf = −9.1 + 1.3δ¹³C shell carbonate (R² = 0.83, P < 0.01)). These results indicated that the input of carbon dioxide from the mineralization of mangrove detritus caused the variation in carbon isotope ratios of seagrass leaves among different sites in this study.     

Using simple 13C NMR linewidth and relaxation measurements to make detailed chemical shift assignments in triacylglycerols and related compounds

Two simple experiments measuring the ¹³C linewidths ν_1/2 and spin–lattice relaxation times T₁ of each of the signals in the spectrum of trilinolein indicate that the ν_1/2 and T₁ values are consistent with the different degrees of motional freedom expected for the various ¹³C nuclei. However, for each chain, the ν_1/2 and T₁ measurements indicate a small reversal in mobility at C-10 relative to C-9 before motional freedom again steadily increases on each chain starting at C-11. The T₁ experiment allows unambiguous assignments of the C-8 signal and C-14 signal, which differ by only 0.010 ppm. Measurements of ¹³C ν_1/2 and T₁ values on tripalmitin provide secure assignments for the C-5 and C-6 signals, for which conflicting assignments have been reported. The T₁ measurements also show that among the tightly clustered C-8 through C-12 signals, the C-11 signals are the most downfield, while the C-12 signals are the most upfield, again contrary to a previous report. Similar measurements of ¹³C ν_1/2 and T₁ values on other triacylglycerols or related compounds may prove equally useful in making chemical shift assignments and detecting any discontinuities in motional freedom along a chain. The benefits and possible limitations of ultrahigh field NMR for studying triacylglycerols and related compounds are discussed.     

η and η olefin complexation by S, S-[Ru(Me2edda)]: a structural change to accommodate bidentate dienes

[Ru^II(Me₂edda)(H₂O)₂] (1), Me₂edda²⁻ = N,N′-dimethylethylenediaminediacetate, exhibits a sterically-controlled molecular recognition in forming η² and η⁴ olefin complexes. 1 exists with an N₂O₂ in-plane set of chelate donors and axial H₂O ligands. The two CH₃ functionalities of Me₂edda²⁻ are poised above and below the N₂O₂ plane of the glycinato rings. Studies herein of the 2,2′-bipyridine complex, [Ru^II(Me₂edda)(bpy)], with bidentate bpy chelation as established via ¹H NMR and electrochemical methods show 1 to be ligated in the S,S configuration with the glycinato rings in-plane as a cis-O form. 1 is sterically discriminating in forming η² complexes with smaller olefins (ethylene, 2-propene, cis-2-butene, methyl vinyl ketone and 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol), but rejects larger decorated ring structures and branched olefins (1,2-dimethyluracil, cyclohexene-1-one 2-methyl-2-propene). η² complexes of 1 have characteristic Ru^II/III DPP waves near 0.55 V which vary slightly with olefin structure. Potentially bidendate dienes (1,3-butadiene, 1,3-cyclohexadiene and 2,5-norbornadiene (nbd) form η⁴ complexes as shown by Ru^II/III waves between 0.94 and 1.30 V, indicate of a highly stabilized Ru^II center by π-backboning. An η²η⁴ ‘equilibrium’ with apparent K = 22 at 25 °C is observed for nbd coordinated to 1. (The η² and η⁴ distribution may be a kinetic one and not a thermodynamic one). To allow formation of the cis η⁴ complexes, 1 must undergo a shift of one or both glycinato donors from the N₂O₂ plane into the axial site away from the dimethyl functionalities. η⁴ chelation by 1,3-butadiene has been confirmed by ¹H NMR spectral assignments of two [Ru^II(Me₂edda)] isomers, one in the axial rans-O glycinato configuration, e.g. 1,3-butadiene is bidentate in the original N₂O₂ plane and a second unsymmetrical glycinato arrangement with in-plane and axial glycinato as well as in-plane and axial η⁴-1,3-butadiene coordination. [Ru^II(hedta)(H₂O)]⁻ (2), hedta³⁻ = N-hydrpxyethylenediaminetriacetate, is less discriminating for olefin structures, forming η² complexes with all eleven olefins and dienes mentioned for studies with 1. However, 2 does not undergo displacement of a carboxylate donor by the second olefin unit of a diene [Ru^II(hedta)(diene)]⁻ complexes possess a pendant non-coordinated olefin and on η²-bound olefin in the complex, indicated by a normal Ru^II(pac)(olefin)Ru^II/III wave near 0.55 V.     

Modified chitosan carrying phosphonic and alkyl groups

The introduction of an alkyl chain onto a water soluble modified chitosan (N-methylene phosphonic chitosan) offer the presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic branched for controlling solubility properties. A simple methodology for the preparation of a new chitosan derivative surfactant, N-lauryl-N-methylene phosphonic chitosan, has been developed. Its chemical identity was determined by FTIR and confirmed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR. The degree of lauryl substitution was estimated to be 0.33. As a result of the amphiphilic properties, like surface activity typical for surfactants, this derivative opens new perspectives in pharmaceutical and cosmetic field.     

Slippage of η-allenyl/propargyl to an η structure and tautomerization of η-propargyl to η-allenyl in ligand addition and substitution reactions of platinum(II) complexes

Reactions of [(PPh₃)₂Pt(η³-CH₂CCPh)]OTf with each of PMe₃, CO and Br⁻ result in the addition of these species to the metal and a change in hapticity of the η³-CH₂CCPh to η¹-CH₂CCPh or η¹-C(Ph)=C=CH₂. Thus, PMe₃ affords [(PMe₃)₃Pt(η¹-C(Ph)=C=CH₂)]⁺, CO gives both [trans-(PPh₃)₂Pt(CO)(η¹-CH₂CCPh)]⁺ and [trans-(PPh₃)₂Pt(CO)(η¹-C(Ph)=C=CH₂)]⁺, and LiBr yields cis-(PPh₃)₂PtBr(η¹-CH₂CCPh), which undergoes isomerization to trans-(PPh₃)₂PtBr(η¹-CH₂CCPh). Substitution reactions of cis- and trans-(PPh₃)₂PtBr(η¹-CH₂CCPh) each lead to tautomerization of η¹-CH₂CCPh to η¹-C(Ph)=C=CH₂, with trans-(PPh₃)₂PtBr(η¹-CH₂CCPh) affording [(PMe₃)₃Pt(η¹-C(Ph)=C=CH₂)]⁺ at ambient temperature and the slower reacting cis isomer giving [trans-(PPh₃)(PMe₃)₂Pt(η¹-C(Ph)=C=CH₂)]⁺ at 54 °C . All new complexes were characterized by a combination of elemental analysis, FAB mas spectrometry and IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C{¹H} and ³¹P{¹H}) spectroscopy. The structure of [(PMe₃)₃Pt(η¹-C(Ph)=C=CH₂)]BPh₄·0.5MeOH was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Competitive product inhibition of aromatase by natural estrogens

In order to better understand the function of aromatase, we carried out kinetic analyses to asses the ability of natural estrogens, estrone (E₁), estradiol (E₂), 16-OHE₁, and estriol (E₃), to inhibit aromatization. Human placental microsomes (50 μg protein) were incubated for 5 min at 37°C with [1β-³H]testosterone (1.24 × 10³ dpm ³H/ng, 35–150 nM) or [1β-³H,4-¹⁴C]androstenedione (3.05 × 10³ dpm ³H/ng, ³H/¹⁴C = 19.3, 7–65 nM) as substrate in the presence of NADPH, with and without natural estrogens as putative inhibitors. Aromatase activity was assessed by tritium released to water from the 1β-position of the substrates. Natural estrogens showed competitive product inhibition against androgen aromatization. The K_i of E₁, E₂, 16-OHE₁, and E₃ for testosterone aromatization was 1.5, 2.2, 95, and 162 μM, respectively, where the K_m of aromatase was 61.8 ± 2.0 nM (n = 5) for testosterone. The K_i of E₁, E₂, 16-OHE₁, and E₃ for androstenedione aromatization was 10.6, 5.5, 252, and 1182 μM, respectively, where the K_m of aromatase was 35.4 ± 4.1 nM (n = 4) for androstenedione. These results show that estrogens inhibit the process of andrigen aromatization and indicate that natural estrogens regulate their own synthesis by the product inhibition mechanism in vivo. Since natural estrogens bind to the active site of human placental aromatase P-450 complex as competitive inhibitors, natural estrogens might be further metabolized by aromatase. This suggests that human placental estrogen 2-hydroxylase activity is catalyzed by the active site of aromatase cytochrome P-450 and also agrees with the fact that the level of catecholestrogens in maternal plasma increases during pregnancy. The relative affinities and concentration of androgens and estrogens would control estrogen and catecholestrogen biosynthesis by aromatase.