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The properties of the enzyme oestradiol-17β dehydrogenase from human umbilical cord serum have been compared with those of oestradiol-17β dehydrogenase present in the maternal peripheral blood. On the basis of studies on stability, specificity, optimum pH, rate of enzymic reaction and K_m determinations it can be concluded that oestradiol-17β dehydrogenase in the umbilical cord arteries has an activity between 5 and 15 times higher than in the umbilical cord vein and about 65% of the activity of the enzyme present in the maternal peripheral blood. The present results strongly suggest that in pregnancy the enzyme oestradiol-17β dehydrogenase is elaborated not only by the placenta but also by the foetus.