Longitudinal proneuroactive and neuroactive steroid profiles in medication-free women with, without and at-risk for perinatal depression: A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis

BACKGROUND

Neuroactive steroids (NAS) are derivatives of cholesterol or steroidal precursors made in the gonads, adrenal gland, placenta and brain. We characterized longitudinal plasma proneuroactive and NAS in healthy perinatal comparison women (HPCW), women at-risk for perinatal depression (AR-PND), and women with PND with/without comorbid anxiety. We hypothesized that AR-PND women who either did or did not go on to develop PND would have elevated NAS concentrations as compared to HPCW and that NAS would be correlated to depressive and anxiety symptoms.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study evaluated 75 medication-free perinatal women (HPCW, n = 30; AR-PND, n = 19; PND, n = 26). Standardized depression and anxiety assessments and blood samples were completed across 5 visits. Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-IV TR Disorders were administered at study entry and exit. Plasma pregnenolone, progesterone, 5α- and 5β-dihydroprogesterone, pregnanolone, allopregnanolone, deoxycorticosterone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Longitudinal relationships between risk-group, depression and anxiety symptoms, and NAS concentrations were analyzed using generalized estimating equations to control for repeated measures correlations.

RESULTS

Perinatal 5α-dihydroprogesterone, 5β-dihydroprogesterone, allopregnanolone, deoxycorticosterone, and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone concentrations were higher in AR-PND and PND women compared to HPCW (β = 3.57 ± 1.40 and β = 2.11 ± 1.12, p = 0.03; β = 0.18 ± 0.06 and β = 0.03 ± 0.05, p = 0.02; β = 1.06 ± 0.42 and β = 1.19 ± 0.47, p = 0.01; β = 0.17 ± 0.07 and β = 0.11 ± 0.06, p = 0.05; β = 0.03 ± 0.01 and β = 0.03 ± 0.01, p = 0.05, respectively). Perinatal allopregnanolone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone were positively associated with HAM-D17 (all p < 0.02). HAM-A was positively associated with 5α- and 5β-dihydroprogesterone, pregnanolone, allopregnanolone, deoxycorticosterone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (all p < 0.05). A history of depression was associated with increased 5α-dihydroprogesterone (2.20 ± 1.09, p = 0.05), deoxycorticosterone (0.13 ± 0.06, p = 0.03) and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (0.03 ± 0.01, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this study represents the largest prospective study of 5-α and 5-β reductase products of progesterone and deoxycorticosterone in HPCW and women AR-PND. Data suggest that PND is associated with both a reduction of progesterone to 5β-dihydroprogesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, and allopregnanolone, and the 21-hydroxylation to deoxycorticosterone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone. The shift towards 5α-dihydroprogesterone, deoxycorticosterone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone was associated with a history of depression, a significant risk factor for PND.

Biotransformation of 21-O-acetyl-deoxycorticosterone by cell suspension cultures of Digitalis lanata (strain W.1.4)

Cell cultures of Digitalis species are known to accept exogenous substrates for biotransformation reactions. We here report the biotransformation of 21-O-acetyl-deoxycorticosterone (1) by cell suspension cultures of Digitalis lanata strain W.1.4. Nine derivatives of 1 were obtained and their chemical structures determined by spectroscopic methods. 2β-Hydroxylation and C-21-glucosylation of the steroidal nucleus were described for the first time in suspension-cultured plant cells. Steroid 5α- and 5β-reduction products were also observed. Among the compounds isolated and structures elucidated were 2β,3β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one, 2β,3α,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one and 3β,21-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one-3β-O-β-glucoside.

Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci synthesize corticosteroids in vitro: metyrapone regulates the production

Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci and tapeworms have the ability to synthesize sex steroid hormones and have a functional 3β-hydroxisteroid dehydrogenase. Corticosteroids (CS) like corticosterone and dexamethasone have been shown to stimulate in vitro estrogen production by Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci. The aim of this work was to study the ability of T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci to synthesize corticosteroids, and the effect of the inhibitor metyrapone on the CS synthesis. For this purpose T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci were obtained from the abdominal cavity of mice, thoroughly washed and pre-incubated in multiwells for 24 h in DMEM plus antibiotics/antimycotics. The tritiated CS precursor progesterone ((3)H-P4) was added to the culture media and parasites cultured for different periods. Blanks containing the culture media plus the (3)H-P4 were simultaneously incubated. Blanks and parasite culture media were ether extracted and analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) in two different solvent systems. Corticosterone production was measured in the culture media by RIA. In some experiments metyrapone (0.1-0.5 mM) was added for 24, 48 or 72 h. Results showed that cysticerci mainly synthesized tritiated 11-deoxy corticosterone (DOC) and small amounts of corticosterone that was also detected by RIA. Small amounts of (3)H-11-deoxy cortisol were also found. Corticosteroid synthesis was time dependent. The addition of metyrapone significantly inhibited tritiated DOC, deoxycortisol and corticosterone synthesis. These results show for the first time that parasites have the capacity to synthesize CS that is modulated by metyrapone. Data suggest that DOC is the main corticosteroid in the parasites.

Automated coupling of capillary-HPLC to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for the analysis of small molecules utilizing a reactive matrix

This study describes the application of a novel, reactive matrix for the mass spectral analysis of steroids by capillary-high performance liquid chromatography (capillary-HPLC) coupled to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). The mass spectral analysis of steroids was accomplished after fully automated peak deposition of chromatographic peaks onto MALDI targets. The seven corticosteroids used as test compounds were: triamcinolone, prednisone, cortisone, fludrocortisone, dexamethasone, deoxycorticosterone, and budesonide. They were separated using a PepMap C(18) (3 microm particle size, 100 A pore width) column at five different concentration levels of 25, 15, 7.5, 2.5 and 1 ng/microL, and the peaks were detected at a wavelength of 237 nm. The column effluent was mixed with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) directly following the UV detector. The chromatographic peaks were then deposited onto the MALDI target with a robotic micro-fraction collector triggered by the UV detector signals. A special hydrophobic surface coating allowed the deposition of up to 4 microL (up to 90 % of the chromatographic peak volume) onto one sample spot. The compounds were then identified by MALDI mass spectrometry. Depending on the nature of the analyte, radical cations ([M](+.)) and sodium adduct ions ([M+Na](+)) of the steroids as well as protonated steroid-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives ([M(D)+H](+)) were detected in positive ion mode. The detection limits were between 0.5 and 15 ng injected with capillary-HPLC-MALDI-TOF-MS and between 0.3 and 3 ng on target with MALDI-TOF when deposited manually.

Changes in expression of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor gene in the medial amygdala of transgenic mice during pregnancy and after delivery

Long-term administration of progesterone or allopregnanolone was previously shown to increase Y1 receptor gene expression in the medial amygdala of Y1R/LacZ transgenic mice, which harbor a construct comprising the murine Y1 receptor gene promoter and a lacZ reporter. We have now investigated the effects of physiological fluctuations in the cerebrocortical concentrations of neuroactive steroids during pregnancy on Y1R/LacZ transgene expression by quantitative histochemical analysis of beta-galactosidase activity. Cerebrocortical concentrations of progesterone and its metabolites allopregnanolone and allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone were increased on day 18 of pregnancy and had returned to control values 2 days after delivery. Transgene expression in the medial amygdala was also increased on day 18 of pregnancy and had returned to control values 2 days after delivery. Similar results were obtained after analysis of Y1R mRNA levels in the medial amygdala of pregnant mice by in situ hybridization. Administration of the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride to pregnant mice prevented both the increase in the cerebrocortical concentrations of neuroactive steroids as well as the increase in transgene expression. These data suggest that fluctuations in the brain concentrations of endogenous neuroactive steroids during pregnancy are associated with changes in Y1 receptor gene expression in the medial amygdala, further supporting a functional interaction between the GABAergic and NPY-Y1 receptor systems.

The role of the tissue renin-angiotensin system in the response of the rat adrenal to exogenous angiotensin II

The tissue renin-angiotensin systems (RAS) may have specific roles that complement those of the systemic RAS. In the adrenal, the tissue RAS has been implicated in the regulation of glomerulosa tissue growth and function, and in mediating the response of the tissue to stimulation by ACTH and potassium ions. To examine the role of the rat adrenal tissue RAS in its response to angiotensin II stimulation, adrenals were incubated either as bisected glands or as separated capsular glands (largely glomerulosa) under control conditions, or in the presence of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril, or of angiotensin II, or both. Captopril inhibited the two different tissue preparations in different ways. In the capsular gland it inhibited basal aldosterone output, but facilitated its response to angiotensin II. In the bisected gland, captopril inhibited the response of aldosterone to angiotensin II. Other data suggest that one way in which captopril functions is by preventing the conversion of fasciculata-generated 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC) to aldosterone in the glomerulosa. Immunolocalisation of 18-OH-DOC in perfused rat adrenal confirms that one function of angiotensin II is to mobilise tissue-sequestered 18-OH-DOC. The results illustrate the importance of tissue RAS in the synthesis of aldosterone and the response to angiotensin II.

Zonation, paracrine function and aldosterone secretion in the rat adrenal cortex

Using in situ hybridisation we show that, in the rat adrenal, 11 beta-hydroxylase is confined to the inner zones, whereas aldosterone synthase is expressed exclusively in the glomerulosa. Immunoblotting methods identify an 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC) in IEF gels of solubilised inner adrenocortical zone membrane preparations. This steroid, which can also be identified by immunocytochemistry, cannot be solvent extracted from the IEF gels unless the gel slices are first treated with trypsin. Preincubation of viable whole glandular tissue with trypsin significantly enhances aldosterone output, and eliminates the trypsin releasable 18-OH-DOC pool in IEF gels. The data suggest that 18-OH-DOC is synthesised and sequestered in inner zone cells, in a novel non-solvent extractable manner, but can be mobilised for utilisation as an aldosterone precursor in the glomerulosa.

[Analysis of corticoids in adrenal glands by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)]

The HPLC system was used to separate and measure 10 kinds of corticoids in adrenal tissues. Calibration curves were drawn as straight lines that ranged from 1.25 to 20ng, or 1.25 to 200ng by peak area calculated with the chromatointegrator. The samples for the assay were extracted from homogenized tissues and treated with methanol to remove non-steroidal contaminants which may interfere with the ultraviolet absorption monitor. The recovery rate during the assay procedure was calculated using testosterone as the internal standard, because testosterone was not detected in any adrenal tissue examined in the present study. Contents of corticoids were measured in normal adrenal glands obtained during radical nephrectomy for renal cancer and in functioning adrenal adenomas. Steroid levels in the adrenal glands and tumors have been measured by radioimmunoassay until now, and the data obtained in the present study were compared with those in previous reports. Main steroids in normal adrenals were cortisol (F) and corticosterone (B), and there were certain amounts of 11-deoxycortisol (S), 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) and precursor steroids. 11 beta-hydroxy-androstenedione was the main androgen in the adrenal gland. Mineralocorticoids other than B and DOC were very low in the normal adrenals. There was a certain balance between the production of cortisol and corticosterone in normal adrenals. In functioning adenomas, the levels of F, B and aldosterone, and F to B ratios (F/B) varied according to their biological features. Although with the HPLC system it was possible to obtain the production balance of each steroid clearly in the chromatogram, we could not detect the delta 5-3 hydroxysteroids such as pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone using the ultraviolet absorption monitor.

The steroid hormonal milieu of the undisturbed human fetus and mother at 16-20 weeks gestation

The interrelations of steroid hormone levels in plasma and amniotic fluid from mothers and their undisturbed fetuses at early midgestation of human pregnancy have not been defined previously. We, therefore, studied 12 healthy mothers and their fetuses undergoing termination of pregnancy for social reasons at 16-20 weeks gestation. Fetal arterial and venous blood was obtained by direct vessel puncture through a fetoscope in the conscious sedated mothers immediately before termination of pregnancy. Simultaneously, maternal peripheral venous blood and amniotic fluid were collected. Aldosterone (Aldo), corticosterone (B), 11-deoxycorticosterone, progesterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), 11-deoxycortisol, cortisol (F), and cortisone were simultaneously determined by specific RIA after extraction and chromatography. Positive fetal arterio-venous differences were found for F, B, and Aldo, whereas arteriovenous differences were negative for P and 17OHP. In amniotic fluid, six of the eight corticosteroids showed significantly lower levels during fetoscopy than during routine amniocentesis, as reported previously using the same analytical methods. The present study demonstrates that the undisturbed human fetus at 16-20 weeks gestation actively secretes the most important gluco- and mineralocorticoids, F, B, and Aldo, independent of the mother. P and 17OHP were shown to be primarily derived from placental production and supplied to the fetus as a source of F and Aldo biosynthesis. The fetoscopy procedure with premedication seemed to give rise to less stress to the fetus than routine amniocentesis without sedation. Fetoscopy is, therefore, an ideal method to study feto-maternal steroid interrelations in human pregnancy.

Deoxycorticosterone, 18-OH-deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone determination by high performance liquid chromatography in monolayer adrenal cell culture

Reversed-phase HPLC offers a rapid, qualitative as well as quantitative method for separation and determination of deoxycorticosterone, 18-OH-deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone in primary culture of adrenocortical cells. The resolution is sufficient for the purpose of quantitative determination. The limitation of this method lies in its sensitivity for serum steroid determination, but is perfectly applicable at cell cultures where the concentration of these steroids is highest.

Synthesis and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of reduced compounds derived from 6 alpha- and 6 beta-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone

A series of thirty two 6-hydroxylated steroids were synthesized by selective reduction of the 4-5 double bond, the 3-oxo group, and/or the 20-oxo group of 6 alpha- and 6 beta-hydroxyDOC. The different reactions leading to the production of specific isomers are discussed. The gas chromatographic and spectrometric characteristics of the methoxime-trimethylsilyl (MO-TMS) or trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives of the isomers obtained are given. The gas chromatographic separation of the syn- and anti-isomers of the methoxime in position 3 was found to be characteristic of the configuration of the hydroxyl in position 6. The difference between methylene unit values of syn- and anti- isomers is much larger for the 6 alpha-series than for the 6 beta-series. The mass spectral analysis showed that many ions are specific of the MO-TMS derivatives of steroids with 3,6-dihydroxy-4-ene or 3-oxo-6-hydroxy-4-ene structure. In the case of steroids with a saturated ring A no significant ions characteristic of the presence of a 6-trimethylsilyloxy substituent were found. This work provides previously unavailable reference data on 6-hydroxylated steroids which should facilitate the study of corticosteroid metabolism.

An adrenal cyst associated with 19-nor-deoxycorticosterone excess and low renin hypertension

Adrenal cysts are rare, but they have been disproportionately associated with hypertension. This report describes a hypertensive patient with increased levels of 19-nor-deoxycorticosterone (19-nor-DOC), a potent mineralocorticoid. The patient was a thirty year old man with hypokalemia, moderately severe hypertension, suppressed PRA, and low aldosterone secretion. Following surgical removal of a 10 cm adrenal cyst, the hypertension improved, the hypokalemia resolved, and the PRA and the aldosterone secretion normalized. Urinary 19-nor-DOC pre-op was elevated 4.6 microgram per day (normal less than 1.0 microgram/day and subsequently became normal at 0.7 microgram per day following surgery. The adrenal cyst was a fibrous walled structure containing mucinous straw-colored fluid. Pericystic adrenocortical tissue demonstrated increased 19-OH-DOC production (a 19-nor-DOC precursor) which may have been responsible for the 19-nor-DOC excess. We hypothesize that compressive adrenal damage from the cyst may produce a form of adrenal regeneration hypertension which is known to be associated with 19-nor-DOC excess.

Structural analysis of 21-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (deoxycorticosterone) derivative compounds. Part I: Synthesis and circular dichroism identification

Deoxycorticosterone (DOC) derivative compounds (DOC, DOC 21-acetate, and 7-mercaptopropionic DOC) have been prepared and purified by high pressure liquid chromatography. Synthesis products have been identified, and three chromophores have been displayed by their n----II and II----II dichroic transitions. A normal half-chair conformation is favored in ring A.

Structural analysis of 21-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (deoxycorticosterone) derivative compounds. Part II: Proton NMR spectra

Complete analysis of the proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of desoxycorticosterone (DOC) has been made using selective double irradiation, two-dimensional experiments, relaxation rate, and nuclear Overhauser effect measurements in order to specify the structure and conformation of products encountered during the preparation of the specific antigen DOC-bovine serum albumin (BSA). It has been shown that DOC has the normal P conformation with ring A half-chair, and ring B chair. This confirms results previously obtained by circular dichroism measurements.

A radioimmunoassay for deoxycorticosterone sulfate without hydrolysis

The hapten of deoxycorticosterone sulfate was synthesized and linked to the carrier protein through the C-4 position on the steroid nucleus. The antisera raised against this antigen in guinea pigs exhibited high affinity (Ka = 1.86 x 10(9) M-1) and excellent specificity for deoxycorticosterone sulfate. It was found that deoxycorticosterone sulfate can be determined in the range of 50-5000 pg, and this radioimmunoassay in plasma shows a coefficient of variation (CV) less than 10%.

Production of high affinity monoclonal antibodies to deoxycorticosterone

Monoclonal antibodies to deoxycorticosterone were produced. Mice were immunised with deoxycorticosterone-3-mono-oxime-BSA conjugate and spleen cells were then hybridised with NS1/1Ag4-1 mouse myeloma cells using 1500 mol. wt polyethylene glycol. The hybrids were grown in RPMI 1640 medium containing HAT to facilitate selection of positive clones. The clones and subclones were screened by using deoxycorticosterone-3-mono-oxime-[125I]iodohistamine. Dextran-coated charcoal was used for separation of antibody bound and free fractions. Two independent clones producing antibody which specifically binds labelled deoxycorticosterone were obtained. Cells from the two best sub-clones were used to raise ascites fluid. Comparison of these antibodies with one of the best conventional antisera previously raised in rabbits showed that the affinity constants were almost comparable (0.49-1.4 X 10(10) l/mol). Cross-reactivity of monoclonal antibodies with cortisol, corticosterone, testosterone and pregnenolone was lower than for polyclonal antisera, but for progesterone the cross-reactivity was similar in both cases. The assay sensitivity obtained with ascites fluid was comparable to that of conventional antibody (2.5 pg/ml). The dilution of ascites fluid which produced 50% binding of the label was 1:4,000,000. These results confirm that it is possible to produce monoclonal antibodies to corticosteroids.

Fecal steroid 21-dehydroxylase, a potential marker for colorectal cancer

Eubacterium lentum and phenotypically similar organisms synthesize a steroid 21-dehydroxylase which converts biliary tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone to pregnanolone. Tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, in contrast to pregnanolone, is carcinogenic for hamster embryonic cells (HECT test). In patients with recently diagnosed, untreated sigmoidal or rectal cancer the fecal concentration of 21-dehydroxylating organisms is reduced by more than 99% as compared with age-matched controls. The lack of fecal 21-dehydroxylating organisms, therefore, is a potential marker for the disorder. The role of steroid 21-dehydroxylase in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer is unknown.

Male pseudohermaphroditism due to 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency: diagnosis by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry

A case of male pseudohermaphroditism associated with 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency is reported in which the diagnosis was firmly established by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The patient was a 20-year-old genotypic male, phenotypic female who presented with primary amenorrhea, absence of body hair, and no breast development. She was hypertensive. Corticosterone and progesterone levels were very high and sex steroids were virtually absent. Gonadotropins were in the menopausal range. The results of radioimmunoassay were not diagnostic. Analysis of urine using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed a striking absence of steroids with 17-oxygen function-nor were there any 18 or 19 carbon steroids. These results clearly establish a total deficiency of 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity.

Concentrations of aldosterone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 11-deoxycortisol, cortisol, and cortisone determined simultaneously in human amniotic fluid throughout gestation

Corticosteroids (CS) are essential for fetal organ maturation; yet, knowledge of endogeneous CS and precursor levels throughout fetal life is limited. Therefore, unconjugated aldosterone (Aldo), corticosterone (B), 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), progesterone (P), 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), 11-deoxycortisol (S), cortisol (F), and cortisone (E) were simultaneously determined by RIA after automated Sephadex LH-20 chromatography in 70 control samples of amniotic fluid (AF) obtained at all gestational ages between 14-42 weeks. Levels of the progestins P and 17-OHP slowly increased from means (+/- SE) of 14.7 +/- 2.8 and 1.63 +/- 0.21 ng/ml, respectively, in early gestation to maximum levels of 32.4 +/- 3.5 and 3.80 +/- 0.74 ng/ml at 36-38 weeks (P less than 0.005), then dropped significantly (P less than 0.01) to 19.2 +/- 2.2 and 1.58 +/- 0.22 ng/ml at term. All CS levels except E rose very markedly by 3- to 12-fold (P less than 0.0001) from the weeks 14-16 (DOC, 0.44 +/- 0.08; B, 1.49 +/- 0.23; Aldo, 0.043 +/- 0.012; S, 0.51 +/- 0.10; F, 5.96 +/- 0.93 ng/ml) until the 36-38th weeks (DOC, 3.50 +/- 0.66; B, 4.60 +/- 0.78; Aldo, 0.530 +/- 0.109; S, 6.00 +/- 0.75; F, 60.8 +/- 8.9 ng/ml). Term levels were significantly reduced (P less than 0.01) in the less active CS DOC (0.51 +/- 0.07 ng/ml), B (2.35 +/- 0.35 ng/ml), and S (1.14 +/- 0.14 ng/ml), whereas those of the biologically most potent CS Aldo and F declined less markedly (0.272 +/- 0.053 and 23.0 +/- 0.75 ng/ml, respectively, at 39-42 weeks). Levels of the inactive glucocorticoid E rose from 8.83 +/- 1.08 ng/ml at 14-16 weeks to 16.8 +/- 2.6 ng/ml at 31-35 weeks (P less than 0.01), then remained rather constant around 11.5 ng/ml until term. It is concluded that after the 25th week, large amounts of biologically active CS are available in AF which probably directly induce the final epithelial maturation of fetal lungs and intestinal tract.

[Rat adrenal corticosteroid concentration during hypokinesia combined with measured physical exertion]

The paper presents data on the content of corticosteroids in adrenals of rats exposed to 46, 53- and 60-day hypokinesia as well as to 60-day hypokinesia combined with graded exercises. It was found that the content of corticosteroids in adrenals remained essentially unaltered after 46-day hypokinesia, decreased after 53-day hypokinesia and increased after 60-day hypokinesia as compared to the appropriate controls. The use of exercises demonstrated good reserve capabilities of the hypophyseal-adrenal system of rats after 60-day hypokinesia and revealed certain changes in regulatory mechanisms of the hypophysis--adrenal cortex system.

Quantitative high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of delta 4-3-ketosteroids in adrenocortical extracts

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the determination of seven steroids in adrenocortical extracts showing a delta 4-3-ketonic conjugated system. The seven steroids (cortisol, cortisone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, aldosterone and 11-deoxycorticosterone) were separated with a chloroform-methanol gradient on a 5-micron silica column and with a water-acetonitrile gradient on a 10-micron RP-8 column. Effluents were monitored by UV absorption at 242 nm. Quantitative analysis was performed by comparing peak areas, which are proportional to the amounts of the individual substances (external standard method). The method is rapid, sensitive, easy to perform and reproducible.

Liquid chromatographic determination of desoxycorticosterone acetate in oil injections

To determine desoxycorticosterone acetate in oil injections, reverse phase partition chromatography on silanized, purified siliceous earth was used to separate the corticosteroid ester from the bulk of the oil vehicle. The latter was retained on the column while the steroid and the sterol and triterpenoid fractions of the oil were eluted. An internal standard was added to this eluate, which was then subjected to reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The desoxycorticosterone acetate was quantitatively separated in the HPLC procedure from any free desoxycorticosterone, preservatives, and minor components of the oil. The suitability of the HPLC procedure was verified with a number of C18 packing materials, both pellicular and microparticular. The desoxycorticosterone acetate was adequately resolved from the internal standard, progesterone, with most C18 packing materials evaluated. The proposed procedure provides a suitable stability-indicating assay for desoxycorticosterone acetate in oil injections.

Radioimmunoassays for aldosterone and deoxycorticosterone in plasma and urine

Radioimmunoassays for aldosterone and deoxycorticosterone (DOC) are described in which a simple separation procedure using ammonium sulfate stabilization of bound steroid and extraction of free steroid into toluene scintillant allows an "in vial" assay without mechanical separation of the two phase system. Extraction and thin layer chromatographic methods for purification of aldosterone and DOC are free of solvent and plate blank effects. Normal values are given for unconjugated aldosterone and DOC in urine, for aldosterone and DOC in plasma and for aldosterone 18-glucuronide in urine.

[Study of the radioimmunological and physicochemical properties of anti-aldosterone and anti-desoxycorticosterone antisera (author's transl)]

Study of the radioimmunological and physico-chemical properties of three anti-aldosterone antisera permitted practical conclusions to be drawn. By its high degree of specificity, anti-aldosterone-3-oxime-BSA is the most useful antiserum for the clinical assay of aldosterone. The principal advantage of this antiserum is that it allows both urinary and blood aldosterone radioimmunoassay without the necessity of including a chromatographic step. This work also includes the study of two anti-desoxy-cortico-sterone antisera.

Steroidal 21-diazo ketones: photogenerated corticosteroid receptor labels

The 21-diazo derivatives of 9 alpha-fluoro- and 9 alpha-bromo-21 deoxycorticosterone, 21-deoxycorticosterone, and progesterone were synthesized for use as photoaffinity labels for corticosteroid receptors. In the isolated toad bladder system, 9 alpha-bromo-21-diazo-21-deoxycorticosterone was as active as d-aldosterone and more active than 9 alpha-fluoro-cortisol in augmenting active Na+ transport. The activities of 21-diazoprogesterone and progesterone were equal; both were much less potent than d-aldosterone, however. These results indicate that the 21-diazo derivatives had significant functional activity in the toad bladder system. The rat kidney slice system was used to estimate the relative affinities of the diazo steroids for aldosterone receptor sites by competition experiments. At 100-fold excess of competitor to [3-H]aldosterone, the order of affinities was 9 alpha-fluoro-21-diazo-21-deoxycorticosterone greater than 9 alpha-bromo-21-diazo-21-deoxycorticosterone greater than 21-diazoprogesterone. Moreover, 9 alpha-bromo-21-diazo-21-deoxycorticosterone reduced binding of [3-H]aldosterone to cytoplasmic and nuclear forms of the receptor proportionately. On the basis of competition for [3-H]corticosterone binding, presumably to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), the order of affinities was 21-diazo-21-deoxycorticosterone greater than 21-diazoprogesterone greater than 9 alpha-bromo-21-diazo-21-deoxycorticosterone. These findings indicate that 21-diazo steroids may be suitable as photogenerated affinity labels for mineralocorticoid receptors. The tritiated derivative, [1,2-3-H]-9 alpha-bromo-21-diazo-21-deoxycorticosterone (specific activity 25 Ci/mol) was synthesized and used in model experiments on photogenerated covalent binding to rat plasma proteins. Irradiation with uv light resulted in binding of [1,2-3-H]-9 alpha-bromo-21-diazo-21-deoxycorticosterone to plasma proteins, that was resistant to extraction with methylene dichloride and did not exchange with unlabeled corticosterone. The diazocorticosteroids, therefore, may have the requisite functional and selectivity properties for photoaffinity labeling of corticosteroid-binding proteins. Further studies are needed, however, to assure that photogenerated labeling with these steroids was site specific.

Cyclic AMP and the differentiation of adrenal cortical cells grown in tissue culture

Primary tissue cultures of adrenal cells were prepared from foetal rat adrenals. The effect of cyclic AMP (75 μmol/l) on the morphology and steroid synthetic activity of the cortical cells was examined in order to determine whether cyclic AMP mimics the effects induced by adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH); namely transformation to the differentiated cell type and increase in steroid synthetic activity. Cyclic AMP was found to induce some, but not all, of the changes normally induced by ACTH. In particular, the mitochondria in the cortical cells developed vesicular cristae and there was a proliferation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. These two organelles are the principle sites of enzymes involved in steroid synthesis and the ultrastructural transformation was accompanied by an increase in the steroidogenic activity of the cells. However, clear differences in the ultrastructure of the cyclic AMP- and ACTH-treated cells were noted. The effects of cyclic AMP on the ultrastructure of cortical and fibroblastic cells present in the adrenal cultures were found to be dependent upon the cell type.

Studies on the metabolism of corticosteroids in the human foeto-placental unit. 4. Metabolism of deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone administered simultaneously into the intact umbilical circulation

A mixture of deoxycorticosterone-1,2-3H (21-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione) and corticosterone-4-14C (11β,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione) was injected in two cases at laparotomy into the intact foeto-placental circulation 15 minutes prior to the interruption of gestation. Metabolites present in the placenta and various foetal tissues were separated and isolated in a radiochemically homogeneous form.

In the two experiments, 58 and 86 per cent, respectively, of the administered radioactive material was recovered from the placenta plus foetal tissues; only 2 and 4 per cent, respectively, was recovered from the urine. The only compound possessing both 3H and 14C label was corticosterone isolated from the adrenals.

The following 3H-labelled metabolites were isolated: 3α,21-dihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (liver, intestines, residual foetal tissues), 20β,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (placenta and residual foetal tissues), 3β,21-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (liver), 3,20-dioxo-4-pregnen-21-yl-sulphate (liver, intestines, lungs, kidneys, adrenals and residual foetal tissues).

The following 14C-labelled metabolites were isolated: 21-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,11,20-trione (placenta, liver, lungs, kidneys, residual foetal tissues), 3α,11β,21-trihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (liver, intestines, residual foetal tissues), 11β-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dion-21-yl-sulphate (liver, intestines, lungs, kidneys, adrenals and residual foetal tissues).

The results indicate that the foetal adrenals convert a part of the circulating deoxycorticosterone to corticosterone. It is concluded that the reductive metabolism of deoxycorticosterone in the liver of the midgestation foetus differs qualitatively and quantitatively from that of corticosterone. A concept is presented describing the metabolism of deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone in the foeto-placental unit at midgestation.