Catalyzes the conversion of biologically active 11beta-hydroxyglucocorticoids (11beta-hydroxysteroid) such as cortisol, to inactive 11-ketoglucocorticoids (11-oxosteroid) such as cortisone, in the presence of NAD(+) (    ). Functions as a dehydrogenase (oxidase), thereby decreasing the concentration of active glucocorticoids, thus protecting the nonselective mineralocorticoid receptor from occupation by glucocorticoids (  ). Plays an important role in maintaining glucocorticoids balance during preimplantation and protects the fetus from excessive maternal corticosterone exposure (By similarity). Catalyzes the oxidation of 11beta-hydroxytestosterone (11beta,17beta-dihydroxyandrost-4-ene-3-one) to 11-ketotestosterone (17beta-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,11-dione), a major bioactive androgen (, ). Catalyzes the conversion of 11beta-hydroxyandrostenedione (11beta-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione) to 11-ketoandrostenedione (androst-4-ene-3,11,17-trione), which can be further metabolized to 11-ketotestosterone . Converts 7-beta-25-dihydroxycholesterol to 7-oxo-25-hydroxycholesterol in vitro . 7-beta-25-dihydroxycholesterol (not 7-oxo-25-hydroxycholesterol) acts as a ligand for the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 2 (EBI2) and may thereby regulate immune cell migration . May protect ovulating oocytes and fertilizing spermatozoa from the adverse effects of cortisol (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Microsome, Endoplasmic reticulum
Expressed in kidney, placenta, pancreas, prostate, ovary, small intestine and colon, and in lower levels in the spleen and testis . At midgestation, expressed at high levels in placenta and in fetal kidney and, at much lower levels, in fetal lung and testis .