Androstanediol glucuronide plasma clearance and production rates in normal and hirsute women

We studied the kinetics and metabolism of tritiated 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha-17 beta-diol glucuronide (3 alpha diolG) in normal and hirsute women. We found no difference in the MCR of 3 alpha diolG between normal and hirsute women [130 +/- 39 (+/- SD) vs. 157 +/- 81; P = NS]. The blood production rate was markedly increased in hirsute women (187 +/- 50 vs. 604 +/- 355 micrograms/day; P less than 0.001) and correlated well with the plasma 3 alpha diolG level (r = 0.96). In women, the conversion ratio of 3 alpha diolG to unconjugated 3 alpha diol or dihydrotestosterone was less than 1%, while the conversion ratio to dihydrotestosterone glucuronide was about 6%. We conclude that the elevated plasma levels of 3 alpha diolG characteristic of hirsutism reflect increased production of this androgen metabolite.

Prolactin modulates peripheral androgen metabolism

Although hyperprolactinemia may be associated with hyperandrogenism, if hirsutism develops, it is usually a mild form. This study was designed to investigate whether prolactin (PRL) modulates 5 alpha-reductase activity (5 alpha-RA), because 5 alpha-RA is known to be a major factor influencing the manifestation of androgenicity. Compared with normal women, euprolactinemic hirsute and both hyperprolactinemic hirsute and nonhirsute women had elevated levels of unbound testosterone (uT). Serum 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (3 alpha-diol-G) was elevated only in patients who were hirsute, and serum 3 alpha-diol-G/uT ratios were elevated in euprolactinemic hirsute patients and normal in hyperprolactinemic hirsute patients. Genital skin 5 alpha-RA in vitro was elevated only in euprolactinemic hirsute women. The previously recognized positive correlation between 5 alpha-RA and the severity of hirsutism was dissociated with hyperprolactinemia. Human PRL incubated in vitro with normal genital skin also inhibited 5 alpha-RA. These data suggest that PRL modulates 5 alpha-RA and peripheral androgen metabolism and that other factors may also be involved in the evolution of hirsutism in hyperprolactinemia.

Changes in ovarian steroidogenesis in prepuberal rats induced to ovulate by low doses of human chorionic gonadotrophin

To determine whether the decrease in ovarian 5 alpha-reduced androgen production before first ovulation might be caused by an increase in serum LH, prepuberal female rats were injected at 28-31 days of age with low doses of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) (0.05-0.075 i.u., four times daily). This treatment resulted in ovulation of six to ten ova per rat on day 32 in all animals. Treatment with hCG resulted in a gradual decrease in ovarian content and production (i.e. content in ovary and medium after 4h of incubation) of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol. The ovarian content of DHT and the production of 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol decreased within 24 h after the first injection of hCG. Oestradiol content and production increased between 24 and 48 h after the start of treatment and was maximal on day 31 (day of pro-oestrus). Activities of 5 alpha-reductase and aromatase were measured in ovarian homogenates obtained on days 29-31. Activity of 5 alpha-reductase in hCG-treated rats was lower than that in control rats on all days studied. Aromatase activity in hCG-treated rats increased between days 29 and 31. It was concluded that multiple injections of low doses of hCG, which may induce ovulation, cause a decrease in 5 alpha-reduced androgen production, which is probably due to a decrease in 5 alpha-reductase activity. The subsequent increase in oestradiol production corresponds with an increase in aromatase activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Increased maternal serum 3 alpha, 17 beta-androstanediol glucuronide concentrations during pregnancy

Maternal serum concentrations of 3 alpha, 17 beta-androstanediol glucuronide (3 alpha-diol-G), a substance that reflects peripheral androgen action and tissue 5 alpha-reductase activity, were measured in 33 normal men, 51 nonpregnant women, and 51 women with uncomplicated pregnancies. The 3 alpha-diol-G concentrations in men (median, 201 ng/ml) were significantly higher than in nonpregnant women (median, 42 ng/ml) or pregnant women (median, 124 ng/ml). The concentrations in pregnant women were significantly greater than those in nonpregnant women, and there were no significant differences between trimesters in maternal 3 alpha-diol-G concentrations. There were no fetal sex differences found in maternal serum or in third-trimester amniotic fluid. These results indicate that pregnancy is associated with increased androgen production by maternal tissues and that fetal 3 alpha-diol-G production is low.

The lead structure in cardiac glycosides is 5 beta, 14 beta-androstane-3 beta 14-diol

The purpose of the present study was to determine the lead structure in cardiac glycosides at the receptor level, i.e. the minimal structural requirement for specific and powerful receptor recognition. Accordingly 73 digitalis-like acting steroids were characterized as to the concentration effecting half-maximum inhibition of Na,K-ATPase from human cardiac muscle under standardized turnover conditions. Since the Ki value equaled the apparent KD value, K'D was expressed in terms of the apparent standard Gibbs energy change delta G degrees' of steroid interaction with Na,K-ATPase. This allowed the use of the extrathermodynamic approach as a rational way of correlating in a quantitative manner, the potency and structure of the various steroidal compounds. The results of the present analysis taken in conjunction with relevant findings reported in the literature, favour the following conclusions. Cassaine, canrenone, prednisolone- and progesterone-3,20-bisguanylhydrazone, and chlormadinol acetate are compounds that are not congeneric with digitalis. The butenolide ring of cardenolides or the analogous side-chains at C17 beta of 5 beta, 14 beta-androstane-3 beta, 14-diol are not pharmacophoric substructures, but merely amplifiers of the interaction energy of the steroid lead. All modifications of the structure, geometry and spatial relationship between the steroid nucleus and butenolide side chain of digitoxigenin all at once weaken the close fit interaction with the steroid and butenolide binding subsites of the enzyme in such way that the cardenolide derivatives interact with the receptor binding site area in whatever orientation that will minimize the Gibbs energy of the steroid-receptor-solvent system. The "butenolide carbonyl oxygen distance model" (Ahmed et al. 1983) for the interpretation of the differences in potency of the cardenolide derivatives describes the change in interaction energy through structural modification as a function of the entire molecule. 5 beta, 14 beta-androstane-3 beta, 14-diol, the steroid nucleus of cardiac glycosides of the digitalis type, is the minimum structure for specific receptor recognition and the key structure for inducing protein conformational change and thus Na,K-ATPase inhibition. It is also the structural requirement for maximum contributions of the butenolide substituent at C17 beta and the sugar substituent at C3 beta-OH to the overall interaction energy, i.e. this steroid nucleus is the lead structure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Tissue production of androgens in women with acne

Precursor and target tissue-produced androgens were measured in the plasma of eighteen women with mild to moderate acne. Mean plasma levels of the precursor androgens (total testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) wer similar to levels in a group of carefully selected acne-free and hirsute-free, age-matched female controls. In contrast, plasma 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (3 alpha-diol G) values were elevated in 13 of the patients, with a mean value for the entire group nearly threefold that of the normal controls (117 vs 43 ng/dl; p less than 0.001). These results support the concept that target tissue androgen production plays an important hormonal role in the pathogenesis of acne in women and that plasma 3 alpha-diol G may be the most sensitive marker of this process.

Decreased urinary 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol glucuronide excretion in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Urinary testosterone and 3 alpha-androstanediol (3 alpha diol G) glucuronides together with plasma testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and delta 4-androstenedione (delta 4) were measured in 43 normal young men (18-36 yr old), 23 elderly men without clinically evident prostatic pathology (54-89 yr old), 68 elderly men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH group; 54-91 yr old), and 26 elderly men with well differentiated cancer of the prostate (K group; 63-97 yr old). Plasma testosterone decreased slightly with age in all 3 elderly groups (from 591 to 438, 479, and 444 ng/100 ml, respectively). Plasma DHT, on the contrary, was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in the BPH group than in the other three groups (68 vs. 30, 37, and 32 ng/100 ml, respectively). Plasma delta 4 was significantly lower (P less than 0.01) in the elderly K group than in all other groups (59 vs. 109, 83, and 78 ng/100 ml, respectively). Urinary testosterone glucuronide decreased with age in all 3 elderly groups (from 109 to 55, 38, and 44 micrograms/24 h, respectively) as a result of decreased androgen production rates with age. All 3 elderly groups also had decreased urinary 3 alpha diol G, from 194 to 123, 55, and 118 micrograms/24 h, respectively. The group of elderly patients with BPH had the lowest mean urinary 3 alpha diol G excretion together with the highest mean plasma DHT. This low urinary 3 alpha diol G excretion, which reflects a decrease in both androgen production and DHT metabolism, suggests a decrease in 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, which, in turn, could explain the increased DHT availability and tissue retention in most target organs. Moreover, the extent of these modifications in androgen metabolism specific to the BPH condition raises the question of an overall alteration of androgen metabolism in patients with BPH which could be the cause of the disease.

Increased 5 alpha-reductase activity in idiopathic hirsutism

In vitro, genital skin 5 alpha-reductase activity (5 alpha-RA) was measured in ten hirsute women with normal androgen levels (idiopathic hirsutism [IH]) and in ten hirsute women with elevated androgen levels (polycystic ovary syndrome [PCO]) in order to determine the influence of secreted androgens on 5 alpha-RA. In vitro 5 alpha-RA was assessed by incubations of skin with 14C-testosterone (T) for 2 hours, after which steroids were separated and the radioactivity of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5 alpha-androstane 3 alpha-17 beta-estradiol (3 alpha-diol) in specific eluates were determined. All androgens were normal in IH with the exception of higher levels of 3 alpha-diol glucuronide which were similar to the levels of PCO. The conversion ratio (CR) of T to DHT in IH (17.18% +/- 4.6%) and PCO (17.86% +/- 5.2%) were similar, yet significantly greater than the CR of control subjects (4.48% +/- 0.36% P less than 0.01). The CR of T to 3 alpha-diol in IH (8.00% +/- 1.38%) and PCO (10.36% +/- 1.0%) were similar, yet higher than in control subjects (2.96% +/- 0.32%; P less than 0.05). Serum androgens showed no correlation with 5 alpha-RA, while the CR of T to DHT showed a significant positive correlation with the Ferriman and Gallwey score (r = 0.61; P less than 0.01). The increased 5 alpha-RA in IH appears to be independent of serum androgen levels and is, therefore, an inherent abnormality. The term "idiopathic" is a misnomer, because hirsutism in these patients may be explained on the basis of increased skin 5 alpha-RA.

Temperature regulation of ovarian steroid production in the common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., in vivo and in vitro

The effect of temperature on ovarian steroid production in the common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., has been studied in vitro with exogenous and endogenous precursors, and in fish held at three different temperatures in vivo. With radioactive testosterone as substrate, the major metabolite was testosterone glucuronide, but androstenedione and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol were also identified. 5 alpha-Androstane-3 beta,7 alpha,17 beta-triol was tentatively identified and two other polar metabolites were isolated, one of which was convertible to this triol. A significant increase in production of most metabolites occurred between 20 and 24 degrees. Production of estradiol and testosterone from endogenous substrate under gonadotrophin stimulation in vitro showed a marked temperature dependence, but the response was closely related to ovarian maturity. Stage 4-5 ovaries produced testosterone, while late Stage 3 tissue produced only estradiol. Neither steroid was produced in significant quantities by less mature ovaries. The results indicate that the "switch off" of ovarian aromatase activity at the end of vitellogenesis is actuated by an ovarian rather than by a pituitary factor. Secretion of testosterone and estradiol showed a very significant change with temperature with the optimum at 24-29 degrees. Profiles for individual fish show that this optimal range is extremely narrow, particularly for estradiol, where secretion may increase as much as twentyfold over 5 degrees. The results in general correlate well with 24 degrees as the most favourable temperature for reproduction in carp. Plasma concentrations of testosterone and estradiol closely paralleled the in vitro secretion rates of these hormones. Plasma testosterone levels were greatest in the most mature fish, whereas plasma estradiol was significantly higher in late Stage 3 fish than in those of greater or lesser ovarian maturity. More Stage 4 and 5 fish were found in the group held at 24 degrees than at 20 or 29 degrees for 4 weeks, but all groups contained a high proportion of early Stage 3 fish.

Origin of plasma androstanediol glucuronide in men

The role of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as precursors of the peripheral metabolite androstanediol glucuronide (3 alpha diol G) in plasma from normal men was studied. An apparent steady state of both putative precursors and the steroid glucuronides were attained by 8-h constant iv infusions of 3H-labeled steroid after a loading dose. The unconjugated steroids and the steroid glucuronides (after beta-glucuronidase hydrolysis) with 14C indicator were purified by serial microcolumn and paper chromatography steps previously reported to achieve radiochemical purity. The specific activities of 3 alpha diol and 3 alpha diol G in plasma were widely different in each subject, confirming our earlier suggestion that the two peripheral metabolites are formed in different pools. The conversion ratios (CRPre-Prod BB) varied widely. The CRT-3 alpha diol G was generally less than 5%, while the CRDHT-3 alpha diol G was 10 times higher. These results are compatible with the expected model, T----DHT----3 alpha diol G. In some of the studies, T glucuronide (TG) and DHT glucuronide (DHTG) were isolated after T infusions, and DHTG was isolated after DHT infusion. The major conversion product of blood T was DHTG, not TG, and the major conversion product of DHT was 3 alpha diol G. This suggests that metabolism proceeds through a steroid reduction step and glucuronidation. The peripheral pathway to 3 alpha diol G may involve formation of DHTG and then 3 alpha-reduction to 3 alpha diol G. This may also explain why blood levels of unconjugated 3 alpha diol have not been helpful in elucidating disorders of androgen formation, as this androgen mostly arises from sites different from 3 alpha diol G.

Rat hepatic cytochrome P-450 isozyme specificity for the metabolism of the steroid sulfate, 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol-3,17-disulfate

Nine rat hepatic microsomal cytochromes P-450 (P-450a-P-450i) have been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity and assayed as potential catalysts of 15 beta-hydroxylation of 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol-3,17-disulfate in a reconstituted system containing NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and dilauroylphosphatidylcholine. Of the nine isozymes, only cytochrome P-450i, which is present in adult female but not adult male rats, catalyzes the hydroxylation of 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol-3,17-disulfate. The reaction has an absolute requirement for cytochrome P-450i, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, and NADPH, as well as a marked dependence on dilauroylphosphatidylcholine. Under optimal conditions, the Km,app was 69 microM, and the Vmax was 7.8 nmol min-1 nmol cytochrome P-450i-1. The affinity of cytochrome P-450i for the substrate, as expressed by the apparent spectral dissociation constant (Ks,app), was 20 microM. This female-specific isozyme had very low catalytic activity toward testosterone, and the metabolite profile from testosterone was distinct compared to the profiles obtained with the other eight isozymes. The results with androstane disulfate indicated that cytochrome P-450i is responsible for the sex-specific microsomal 15 beta-hydroxylase system in adult female rat liver, originally described by Gustafsson and Ingelman-Sundberg [(1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249: 1940-1945].

[Changes in the creatine kinase activity in the rat heart and skeletal muscles during myorelaxation with tubocurarine, arduan and myorelaxin]

The creatine kinase activity in the skeletal muscles and heart of rats is investigated under the effect of preparations of the depolarizing (myorelaxin) and nondepolarizing (tubocurarin, arduan) action. It is stated that arduan and tubocurarin inhibit the enzyme activity in the myocardium but not in skeletal muscles. The creatine kinase activity in the myocardium extract decreases twice under the tubocurarin effect and more than thrice under the arduan effect. Inhibition of the enzyme activity in the myocardium mitochondria under arduan effect is pronounced more greatly.

Which testosterone replacement therapy?

Three different forms of testosterone (T) replacement therapy were compared; they were the intramuscular injection of mixed testosterone esters 250 mg; the subcutaneous implantation of 6 X 100 mg pellets of fused testosterone; and the oral administration of testosterone undecanoate (TU) 80 mg twice daily. Six hypogonadal males were treated with oral TU for an eight week period, during which time serial serum hormonal estimations were performed over 10 h at the initiation and after four and eight weeks of therapy. Serum T levels showed marked variability both between subjects and within the same subject on different occasions. We attribute this to variability in absorption of TU, which is formulated in oleic acid. The overall mean T level calculated from the areas under the profiles of TU was 12.0 nmol/l. Hormone responses to injected T esters were studied in nine hypogonadal males. Serum T rose to supraphysiological peak concentrations (mean 71 nmol/l) 24-48 h after an injection, followed by an exponential decay to reach baseline concentrations after 2-3 weeks. The overall calculated mean T level in subjects receiving testosterone esters 250 mg every three weeks was 27.7 nmol/l. Subcutaneous implantation of testosterone in six hypogonadal men produced a gradual rise in serum T followed by a slow decline, with T levels remaining within the normal range for 4-5 months. The calculated overall mean T level over 21 weeks after implantation was 17.0 nmol/l. Serum oestradiol (E2) levels remained within the normal male range throughout the study periods on both TU and T implant therapy but showed a supraphysiological peak (mean 347 pmol/l) 24-48 h after a T injection. 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels appeared to parallel those of T on the three forms of therapy, with DHT:T ratios being highest for TU therapy. This was also true for the target organ metabolite 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol. At the doses studied drug costs were similar for T implantation (every 5 months) and T ester injections (every 3 weeks), but were 7-8 times higher for TU (80 mg twice a day). We conclude that T implantation remains overall the most physiological form of androgen replacement therapy, is generally well accepted and attended by few side effects; TU may have a useful role in the initial phases of therapy.

Synthesis of 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 16 alpha, 17 beta-triol from 3 beta-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one

5 alpha-Androstane-3 alpha, 16 alpha, 17 beta-triol was synthesized from 3 beta-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one. The procedure involved catalytic hydrogenation of 3 beta-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one to 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-17-one. This was followed by conversion of the 3 beta-hydroxy group to 3 alpha-benzoyloxy group by the Mitsunobu reaction. Further treatment with isopropenyl acetate yielded 5 alpha-androsten-16-ene-3 alpha, 17-diol 3-benzoate 17-acetate. This was then converted to 3 alpha, 17-dihydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-16-one 3-benzoate 17-acetate via the unstable epoxide intermediate after treatment with m-cloroperoxybenzoic acid. LiA1H4 reduction of this compound formed 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 16 alpha, 17 beta-triol. 1H and 13C NMR of various steroids are presented to confirm the structure of this compound.

Testosterone metabolism in prepubertal rabbit cartilage

Using thin-layer chromatography, celite column chromatography and recrystallization methods, articular (AR) and growth plate (GP) cartilage tissues and cells from prepubertal rabbits were shown to convert testosterone (T) into at least three main metabolites: dihydrotestosterone (DHT), delta 4-androstenedione and androstanediols. In tissue incubation experiments the amount of each newly formed metabolite per mg of tissue was always greater in AR than in GP cartilage. After a 24 h incubation with AR or GP cartilage tissues, T was mainly converted to DHT and delta 4-androstenedione in approximately equal amounts. The amount of androstanediol metabolites formed was much lower. In a time-course experiment, the conversion of T to DHT and delta 4-androstenedione was shown to increase in a linear fashion, while the conversion to androstanediols was more variable. Using cultured AR cartilage cell incubations, similar results were obtained. In addition, DHT was shown to be the sole metabolite which accumulated in the cellular pool during the first 3 h incubation, as well as during the 24 h incubation when maximum cellular uptake of radioactivity was observed. At this time, the intracellular amount of unmetabolized [3H]T (88 pmoles/100 micrograms DNA) was similar to the amount of [3H]DHT (70 pmoles/100 micrograms DNA) accumulated in the chondrocytes. For both delta 4-androstenedione and androstanediols, 99% of radioactivity was extracted from the incubation medium.

Histochemical studies of epithelial cell glycoconjugates in atrophic, metaplastic, hyperplastic, and neoplastic canine prostate

The nature and distribution of lectin receptors were studied in normal, atrophic, metaplastic, hyperplastic, and neoplastic epithelium of canine prostate. Results were compared with prostatic epithelium of castrated dogs treated for 2 weeks with estradiol-17 beta 17-cyclopentylpropionate, 5 alpha-adrostane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol dipropionate, or 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Eight biotinylated lectins were used as histochemical probes and avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex served as the visualant. Receptors for Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I were present in atrophic prostatic epithelium. Receptors for U. europaeus agglutinin-I, wheat, germ agglutinin, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin, and soybean agglutinin were present in epithelium that had undergone squamous metaplasia. Binding of peanut agglutinin receptors was present, to a limited extent, in squamous epithelium and was increased after they were unmasked (sialic acid residues cleaved with neuraminidase). In glandular cells of normal canine prostate and in benign prostatic hyperplasia, receptor sites were stained with Ricinus communis agglutinin-I, Concanavalia ensiformis agglutinin wheat germ agglutinin, and U. europaeus agglutinin-I. The basal cells in these tissues did not bind lectins. Prostatic carcinoma cells demonstrated receptors for wheat germ agglutinin and U. europaeus agglutinin-I. Responding and atrophic acini were present in prostates of castrated dogs treated with estradiol-17 beta 17-cyclopentylpropionate. Glandular cells of atrophic acini exhibited lectin receptor profiles similar to counterparts in castrated-untreated dogs. However, glandular cells responding to estrogen exhibited staining of free and cryptic peanut agglutinin receptor sites. Glandular cells of castrated dogs treated with 5 alpha-androstane 3 alpha,17 beta-diol dipropionate and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone have a pattern of lectin receptors similar to that found in normal and hyperplastic epithelium. Our studies show significant differences in lectin-binding patterns in the epithelium of atrophic, metaplastic, hyperplastic, and neoplastic canine prostate. They also demonstrate that the species of carbohydrate residues present in the glandular cells can be modified with sex hormones.

Synthesis of a precursor for the preparation of 9 alpha,11 alpha-tritiated 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol 17-glucuronide

Starting from 11 beta-hydroxytestosterone, we achieved the synthesis of a strategic precursor, C-9 (11) unsaturated 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol 17-glucuronide (9a), for the preparation of 9 alpha,11 alpha-tritiated 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol 17-glucuronide. We optimized the reaction conditions for catalytic reduction employing hydrogen and subsequent base hydrolysis followed by purification on Amberlite XAD-2 resin to obtain the saturated 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol 17-glucuronide.

Evidence for the importance of peripheral tissue events in the development of hirsutism in polycystic ovary syndrome

Hirsutism can occur in the presence of normal or near normal levels of serum testosterone, unbound testosterone (uT), dehydroepiandrostene sulfate, androstenedione, and dihydrotestosterone. However, we have found that serum androstanediol glucuronide (3 alpha-diol G) is markedly increased in idiopathic hirsutism and it serves as an excellent marker of peripheral androgen metabolism and action. In the present work, we studied 12 hirsute (H) and 12 nonhirsute (NH) patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) and 13 age and weight matched controls in order to determine if differences in sex steroid levels or peripheral tissue androgen events were associated with hirsutism. Serum unbound estradiol levels and LH-FSH ratios were similar in both groups of women with PCO, and both were significantly higher than levels in controls (P less than 0.05). Whereas serum testosterone, uT, and androstenedione were elevated in both H-PCO and NH-PCO patients compared to controls, the levels in these two groups were similar. Serum dehydroepiandrostene sulfate was higher in PCO patients compared to controls, but H-PCO patients had slightly higher levels than NH-PCO patients. Serum delta 5-androstenediol was also slightly higher in H-PCO compared to NH-PCO patients. Dihydrotestosterone was normal and unconjugated; 3 alpha-diol was higher than normal in both groups of patients with PCO, although H-PCO patients had higher levels than NH-PCO patients. Compared to these relatively minor changes between the PCO patient groups, serum 3 alpha-diol G was markedly elevated in H-PCO patients (approximately 10-fold), yet normal in NH-PCO patients (P less than 0.01). The ratios of serum 3 alpha-diol G-uT were similar in NH-PCO patients and controls, but were elevated in H-PCO patients (P less than 0.01). These data indicate that: 1) women with PCO have increased circulating androgen levels regardless of the presence or absence of hirsutism; and 2) the presence of hirsutism is not only a function of circulating androgen levels, but may also be determined by events in peripheral tissues.

Effects of 6- and 7-hydroxy metabolites of 3 beta,17 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-androstane on gonadotrophin and prolactin secretion and on sex accessories weight of male rats

It has recently been shown that 3 beta,17 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-androstane (3 beta-diol), a known testosterone metabolite, may be further hydroxylated in position 6 and 7. Because of the possible involvement of 3 beta-diol in the control of gonadotrophin secretion, this work was aimed at investigating the effects of 3 beta,6 alpha,17 beta-trihydroxy-5 alpha-androstane (6 alpha-triol), 3 beta,7 alpha,17 beta-trihydroxy-5 alpha-androstane (7 alpha-triol), 3 beta,6 beta,17 beta-trihydroxy-5 alpha-androstane (6 beta-triol) and 3 beta,7 beta,17 beta-trihydroxy-5 alpha-androstane (7 beta-triol) on the secretion of LH, FSH and prolactin in long term castrated male rats. The four triols, 3 beta-diol and 3 alpha,17 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-androstane (3 alpha-diol), used for comparison, were given in a single subcutaneous dose of 2 mg/rat. Animals were killed 2, 5, 8 and 24 h after injection. None of the six steroids produces any significant effect on serum levels of FSH and prolactin at the 4 time intervals considered. On the contrary, LH levels are significantly reduced 2, 5 and 8 h after the injection of 7 beta-triol. This effect appears rapidly but is short lasting, since it disappears in the 24 h blood sample, 3 alpha-Diol also inhibits LH secretion but at later time intervals (8 and 24 h). None of the other steroids has any significant effect on serum LH levels. The four triols administered at the daily dose of 2 and 4 mg/rat for 6 days are totally ineffective in increasing the weight of the ventral prostate and of the seminal vesicles of prepuberal castrated male rats.

Seasonal variation of plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and urinary androgen excretion in post-menopausal women

Urinary levels of the glucuronides of androsterone, aetiocholanolone, 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol and 5 beta-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol, were determined in twenty-two-post menopausal women both in spring and in autumn--winter. In sixteen women dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate plasma levels were also measured. Plasma DHAS levels as well as urinary metabolite excretion values were significantly higher in autumn--winter than in spring. This seasonal variability should be taken into account in long-term studies involving adrenal hormone levels, excretion or metabolism. Moreover this seasonal variability might be of relevance for the cyclical growth rate of hormone dependent tumours such as breast cancer.

4-Ethenylidene steroids as mechanism-based inactivators of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases

The synthesis of 4-ethenylidene-5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 17 beta-diol (5) and of 4-ethenylidene-5 alpha-androstane-3, 17-dione (4) is described. Compound 5 is a competitive inhibitor of solubilized bovine microsomal adrenal delta-5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, with Ki = 2.7 microM, and is converted by the enzyme to the corresponding 3-ketone. Compound 4 is shown to irreversibly inactivate the enzyme in a time-dependent manner (t 1/2 = 31 min; 55 microM; pH = 7.0). The substrate, dehydroepiandrosterone, protects against inactivation by compound 4. In contrast, compound 5 is not oxidized at the 3-position by the 3 beta-(and 17 beta)-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from P. testosteroni, but is oxidized at the 17-position. Nevertheless, the 4-ethenylidene-3,17-diketone (4) causes irreversible time-dependent inactivation (t 1/2 = 28 min; 64 microM; pH = 7.0) when incubated directly with this bacterial enzyme, acting as an affinity label.

C-19-steroid 7 alpha-hydroxylation by rat testes. Isolation and identification of: 7 alpha, 17 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-3-one, 5 alpha-androstan-3 alpha, 7 alpha, 17 beta-triol and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 7 alpha, 17 beta-triol

From incubations of testosterone with rat testicular homogenates in the presence of a NADPH-generating system, the following 7 alpha-hydroxylated metabolites could be isolated and identified: 7 alpha, 17 beta-dihydroxy-4-androsten-3-one (7 alpha-hydroxy-testosterone), 7 alpha-17 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-3-one (7 alpha-hydroxy-Dht), 5 alpha-androstan-3 alpha, 7 alpha, 17 beta-triol (7 alpha-hydroxy-3 alpha-A'DIOL) and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 7 alpha, 17 beta-triol (7 alpha-hydroxy-3 beta-A'DIOL). To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of the formation of 5 alpha-reduced-7 alpha-hydroxylated metabolites of testosterone in the male gonad. These 5 alpha-reduced-7 alpha-hydroxylated metabolites could also be isolated after incubations of 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol (3 alpha-A'DIOL) with testicular homogenates in the presence of A NADPH-generating system. Measured as the sum of 7 alpha-hydroxy-testosterone, 7 alpha-hydroxy-Dht. 7 alpha-hydroxy-3 alpha-A'DIOL and 7 alpha-hydroxy-3 beta-A'DIOL formed using testosterone as substrate, total 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity was six times higher in testes of mature rats than in testes from animals 23 days old. With 3 alpha-A'DIOL as substrate total 7 alpha-hydroxylase in the mature testis was about three times greater than in the sexually immature testis.

3 alpha, 17 beta-androstanediol glucuronide in plasma. A marker of androgen action in idiopathic hirsutism

Biologically active androgens and peripheral androgen metabolites in plasma were measured in 25 women with idiopathic hirsutism (IH). Plasma testosterone was not significantly elevated. Free testosterone however was increased although the elevation was not impressive (10.9 +/- 6.6 SD vs. 3.3 +/- 1.5 ng/dl) and one-fourth of the cases had normal unbound testosterone. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) values were elevated (23.5 +/- 14 vs. 12.5 +/- 3.59) but again over half of the values were within the normal range. In our series of mild to moderate cases, 3 alpha-diol was not at all discriminatory. However, plasma 3 alpha-diol glucuronide was markedly increased (604 +/- 376 vs. 40 +/- 10 ng/dl), and elevated in all but one mild case. Previous studies document that DHT is the important androgen in skin and formation of DHT and 3 alpha-diol is markedly increased in vitro in IH. Since 3 alpha-diol glucuronide is derived largely from extrasplanchnic events, beta-glucuronidase is present in skin, and androgen stimulates formation of the enzyme in extrasplanchnic tissue, we conclude that 3 alpha-diol glucuronide is a marker of peripheral androgen action and markedly elevated in IH.

Synthesis and androgen effects of 7 alpha,17 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-3-one, 5 alpha-androstan-3 alpha,7 alpha,17 beta-triol and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,7 alpha,17 beta-triol

The steroids 7 alpha,17 beta-dihydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-3-one (7 alpha-hydroxy-Dht), 5 alpha-androstan-3 alpha,7 alpha,17 beta-triol (7 alpha-hydroxy-3 alpha-A'DIOL) and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,7 alpha,17 beta-triol (7 alpha-hydroxy-3 beta-A'DIOL) have been synthetized from 7 alpha,17 beta-dihydroxy-4-androsten-3-one (7 alpha-hydroxy-testosterone). The effect of administering 7 alpha-hydroxy-Dht, 7 alpha-hydroxy-3 alpha-A'DIOL or 7 alpha-hydroxy-3 beta-A'DIOL on serum levels of LH, FSH and on ventral prostate and seminal vesicle weight were investigated in gonadectomized adult male rats. Each steroid was administered for seven days in a dose of 300 micrograms per day. No suppression of serum LH or FSH levels was recorded following injections of these 7 alpha-hydroxylated steroids to castrated rats, compared to castrated control rats receiving vehicle only. Administration of 7 alpha-hydroxy-Dht or 7 alpha-hydroxy-3 alpha-A'DIOL to castrated mature rats could maintain ventral prostate and seminal vesicle weights above that of castrated control rats. Administration of 7 alpha-hydroxy-3 beta-A'DIOL to castrated mature rats resulted in ventral prostate weights slightly above castrate control levels, while seminal vesicle weight in such rats were in the same range as castrated control rats. Intraperitoneal administration of testosterone or of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol (3 beta-A'DIOL) to castrated rats maintained activity of the androgen dependent isoenzyme of acid phosphatase in the ventral prostate; 7 alpha-hydroxy-testosterone or 7 alpha-hydroxy-3 beta-A'DIOL showed, however, no effect on this enzymic activity.

Studies on the origin of androstanediol and androstanediol glucuronide in young and elderly men

The in vivo origin of androstanediol (3 alpha diol) and its glucuronide was studied in six young and five elderly men undergoing cardiac catheterization. Constant infusions of [14C]testosterone and [3H]3 alpha diol were given, and blood was obtained from the aorta and hepatic vein in order to measure metabolic clearance, splanchnic extraction, and the possibility of splanchnic production of both 3 alpha diol and its glucuronide. In young elderly men, the concentrations of labeled and unlabeled testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and 3 alpha diol were lower in the hepatic vein than in the aorta. The specific activities of dihydrotestosterone and 3 alpha diol were the same in blood entering and leaving the splanchnic compartment. The plasma concentration of 3 alpha diol was 18 +/- 2 in the young men and 15 +/- 4 ng/dl in the elderly group. However, the blood production rate of 3 alpha diol determined from the metabolic clearance and morning plasma concentration was reduced (324 vs. 199 micrograms/day) as a result of lower clearance in the elderly men. Plasma 3 alpha diol glucuronide concentrations were 197 +/- 68 and 96 +/- 35 ng/dl in the two groups. No difference in the concentration of 3 alpha diol glucuronide was observed across the splanchnic tissues by mass, radioactive levels, specific activity, or 14C to 3H ratios. The 14C to 3H ratio for 3 alpha diol glucuronide was 10 times higher than for the free steroid, indicating that more than 90% of the glucuronide originates from a pool separate from blood 3 alpha diol. Both the splanchnic extraction of 3 alpha diol and the metabolic clearance were reduced in elderly men. These studies indicate that both 3 alpha diol and its glucuronide in blood result from extrasplanchnic events. A major reduction in the plasma concentration of 3 alpha diol glucuronide occurs in the aging male, although no difference is seen in the levels of the unconjugated 3 alpha diol. 3 alpha diol and its glucuronide are derived principally by extrahepatic (target) tissue events.

Effect of androstanediol sulfates on luteinizing hormone release in ovariectomized rats

Androstanediols are the major products of the immature rat ovary and are present in peripheral circulation mainly as sulfate conjugates. In this paper we identified 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 17 beta-diol-3-monosulfate (3 beta-A-MS) as one of the forms found in blood and subsequently synthesized and administered it to ovariectomized rats at a dose of 100 microgram/100 g BW . day from 21-45 days of age. This dose effectively inhibits postcastrational LH elevation. Other androstanediols examined, like 5 alpha-A-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol-disulfate, 5 alpha-A-3 beta, 17 beta-diol-disulfate, and the free 5 alpha-A-3 beta, 17 beta-diol do not exert such an effect on LH release. The MCR of 3 beta-A-MS was 441 +/- 64 ml/h, independent of the infusion rate between 0.15-15.0 microgram/h, and its production rate was calculated to be 37 microgram/day at the age of 30 days. The quantitative relations of the steroid level in serum to its capacity to inhibit LH release was studied using Silastic capsules. A steady concentration of 1.1 ng 3 beta-A-MS/ml serum inhibits postcastrational LH release in the immature female rat. Since a similar or higher concentration of the steroid is present in the intact rat, it is assumed that 3 beta-A-MS controls pituitary LH release in the intact immature female rat. (Endocrinology 108: 500, 1981)

[3,4-Dihydro-1,2,4-benzotriazin-3,3'-spiro steroid derivatives of pharmacological interest]

In order to verify the possibility of pharmacological latentiation of bioactive ketones, the building up of a 3,4-dihydro-1,2,4-benzotriazine ring on position 3, 17 or 20 of steroids with hormonal activity was investigated. The heterocyclic formation was successful only on the less hindered position 3. Four (I alpha, I beta, II alpha, II beta) of the six derivatives so obtained were tested for androgenic activity and their effects were compared with those of testosterone and of the starting ketosteroids (5 alpha- and 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone, 5 alpha- and 5 beta-androstan-3,17-dione). The hormonal activity is not compromised by the coupling of the heterocyclic ring with the steroidal skeleton; on the contrary compound (I beta), derived from the inactive 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone, exhibited a high degree of androgenic activity.

Clinical analysis on steroids. XII. Occurrence of D-homoannulation during the hot acid hydrolysis of 5 beta-pregnane-3 alpha, 20 alpha-diol disulfate

Two D-homosteroids were isolated from the hydrolyzate of 5 beta-pregnane -3 alpha, 20 alpha-diol disulfate (II) when it was refluxed in 3N hydrochloric acid. The structures of these steroids have been elucidated as 17 alpha-methyl-D-homo-5 beta-androstane-3 alpha, 17a beta-diol (VI) and 17 alpha-methyl-17a beta-chloro-D-homo-5 beta-androstan-3 alpha-ol (VIII) by instrumental analyses. The former was identical with a synthetic specimen derived from 5 beta-pregnane-3 alpha, 20 beta-diol disulfate (IV) by uranediol rearrangement. The main hydrolyzates obtained were 17 alpha-ethyl-17 beta-methyl-18-nor-5 beta-androst-13-en-3 alpha-ol (V) and 5 beta-pregnane-3 alpha, 20 alpha-diol (III).

The identification and characterization of the C19O3 steroid metabolites of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol produced by the canine prostate: 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,6 alpha,17 beta-triol and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,7 alpha,17 beta-triol

This study has identified the polar metabolites of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta-17 beta-diol(3 beta-diol) produced by the canine prostate. The major metabolite is 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,7 alpha,17 beta-triol(7 alpha-triol) accounting for approximately 80% of the total polar metabolites of 3 beta-diol. The remaining 20% is accounted for exclusively by another triol, 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,6 alpha,17 beta-triol(6 alpha-triol). This study has also characterized two enzymatic hydroxylase responsible for respective triol formation: 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol 6 alpha-hydroxylase(6 alpha-hydroxylase) and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol 7 alpha-hydroxylase(7 alpha-hydroxylase). Both of these irreversible hydroxylases are located in the particulate fraction of the prostate and can utilize either NADH or NADPH as cofactor. Several in vitro steroid inhibitors of these hydroxylases were identified including cholesterol, estradiol and diethylstilbestrol. Neither of the hydroxylases were found to be decreased by castration (3 months) when expressed as activity/DNA. Using a variety of C19 androstane substrates, 6 alpha- and 7 alpha-triol were found to be major components of the total 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstane metabolites produced by the canine prostate.

Clinical experience with a new steroid muscle relaxant: pipecurium bromide

Experience gained in applying to 102 surgery patients a steroid muscle relaxant 2 beta,16 beta-bis-(4'-dimethyl-1'-piperazino)-3 alpha,17 beta-diacetoxy-5 alpha-androstane dibromide (pipecurium bromide, RGH 1106, Arduan) is reported. Pipercurium bromide proved to be a potent muscle relaxant with a medium duration of action. It can successfully be applied for intubation. Residual relaxation can be antagonized with neostigmine. Pipecurium bromide did not influence circulation, is free of side effects and can be applied in anaesthesiologically high-risk patients.

The determination of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol in human plasma by radioimmunoassay

Antibodies have been raised in rabbits against 3alpha, 17beta-dihydroxy-5alpha-androstane-6-0-carboxymethyloxime coupled with Cohn's fraction IV-4. The antiserum exhibited significant cross reactions with 5beta-androstane-3alph1, 17beta-diol, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone. No cross reactions were observed with 5alpha-androstane-3beta,17beta-diol and 5-androstene-3beta,17beta-diol. The methodological criteria for the measurement of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol in human plasma were as follows: The specificity was ensured by separating the cross reacting steroids by thin layer chromatography. The intraassay and interassay coefficients of variation were found to be 6.2 and 10.2%, respectively. The sensitivity was 30 pg. The recovery of different amounts of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol added to human plasma (80, 120, and 200 pg) yielded 91.3, 92.5, and 93.5%, respectively. The following concentrations of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol have been determined in human plasma (mean +/- SD, ng/dl): Normal males: 18.98 +/- 5.9; normal females: 2.65 +/- 0.27; females with idiopathic hirsutism: 11.9 +/- 6.4; prepubertal children: not detectable.

Synthesis of new steroid haptens for radioimmunoassay. Part III. 15beta-Carboxyethylmercaptosteroid-bovine serum albumin conjugates. Specific antisera for radioimmunoassay of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, 5alpha-androstane-3beta, 17beta-diol and 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol

The syntheses of 15beta-carboxyethylmercapto-5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, 15beta-carbosyethylmercapto-5alpha-androstane-3beta, 17beta-diol and 15beta-carboxyethylmercapto-5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol and the preparation of their bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugates are described. These conjugates were employed for the generation of specific antisera suitable for radioimmunoassay (RIA) of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5alpha-DHT), 5alpha-androstane-3beta, 17beta-diol (3beta-diol) and 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol (3alpha-diol).

Androstanediol sulphates in peripheral blood of immature rats and some of their biological effects

The conjugation of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol (3alpha-A) and its 3beta epimer (3beta-A) was determined in the peripheral blood of immature female rats. About two thirds of these steroids were present in blood as sulphates and one third as glucuronides; no free steroids were detected. Administration of 3beta-A sulphate (25mug/100 g body weight/day) and of 3alpha-A sulphate (50 mug/100 g/day) from day 21 of life until the day of vaginal opening, advanced the day of the first ovulation. Administration of the 3beta-A sulphate did not induce precocious vaginal opening whereas the free alcohol was active in this respect. Implantation of 3beta-A sulphate, but not of the 3alpha epimer, into the basal medial hypothalamus resulted in the dealth of all animals within 24 h.

Anticholinergic actions of steroid muscle relaxants

The chronotropic effects of two new steroid muscle relaxants have been investigated. Each was compared individually with pancuronium bromide, using acetylcholine as an agonist on the isolated perfused rabbit heart. One of the drugs. Organon 6368, was very similar to pancuronium in its degree of antagonism to the bradycardia produced by acetylcholine and may therefore be a useful drug clinically. Dacuronium, on the other hand, would appear to have marked chronotropic effects at dose levels needed for adequate neuromuscular blockade and thus may be less useful.