6β-HYDROXYCORTISOL AND OTHER POLAR CORTICOSTEROIDS: MEASUREMENT AND SIGNIFICANCE IN HUMAN URINE*†

Abstract

A detailed description of extraction and paper chromatographic techniques for the measurement of urinary 6/3-hydroxycortisol is presented, together with experimental data from which this and other separation procedures have been devised. 6/3-hydroxycortisol appears to be the chief unconjugated urinary metabolite of cortlsol. Increased levels, both absolutely and in relation to total steroid excretion, were noted in cases of Cushing''s syndrome and after administration of ACTH. Evidence of the presence of several new urinary steroids is presented, and definitive identification of one, 6a-hydroxycortisol, is reported in human urine for the first time.