Enzymatic sulfation of steroids. XVI. Very rapid effects of steroid hormones on hepatic cortisol sulfation in intact male rats.

Hepatic glucocorticoid sulfotransferase activity in male rats was elevated approximately 200, 100 or 60%, respectively, by administration of 0.20 mg estradiol, 1.0 mg testosterone or 12 mg progesterone daily for 2 days. Administration of 3.0 mg corticosterone daily, for 2 days, was without effect. All observed hormone effects were due to elevation of the concentration of sulfotransferase III, the glucocorticoid-preferring steroid sulfotransferase of rat liver. The response of the enzyme activity to the estrogen was blocked by puromycin or actinomycin D. The relationship between these studies and general endocrine control of sulfotransferase production is discussed.