SURVEY OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF STEROID DEHYDROGENASES IN SEBACEOUS GLANDS OF HUMAN SKIN

SUMMARY.— This paper reports the results of a survey carried out using human skin to investigate the distribution of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 16β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase over the skin surface. In common with other work, sebaceous glands were found in greater numbers in the face, scalp and thoracic region. The enzymes occur at all ages, although there was an apparent increase in activity in the 20–30 age group. The enzymes occur in both sexes, although there is a difference with the 17β-HSD, the enzyme occurring more frequently in male skin biopsies. The enzymes occur in all surface areas of the human body and differences from a previous survey are noted. In particular the enzymes are found in the scalp, the perineal region, the arms, legs and abdomen, as well as the face and chest. The difference between the localization of the 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD within sebaceous glands is described.