Metabolism of Reichstein's Substance E in Man

Abstract

The metabolism of Reichstein's Substance E-4-C¹⁴ (110,17,20β,21-tetrahydroxy- Δ4-pregnene-3-one) has been studied in a normal subject. It was found that 2 of the principal metabolic reactions, reduction of the Δ4-3-ketone and oxidation of the 11β- hydroxyl group, occurred with this hormone with a preformed glycerol side chain. No significant amounts of epimerization or oxidation of the 20β-hydroxyl group could be detected. The metabolic pattern observed after the administration of this compound was compared with that following hydrocortisone in the same subject. From these studies it was concluded that the reduction of the 20-keto group is not a major first step in the metabolism of hydrocortisone in normal man.