Mineralocorticoid and renal receptor binding activity of 21-deoxyaldosterone

Since several aldosterone metabolites are known to be active, we have assessed the mineralocorticoid biological and renal receptor binding activities of the aldosterone metabolites, 21-deoxyaldosterone (21-deoxy-Aldo), 21-deoxytetrahydroaldosterone (21-deoxy-THAldo), and 3 alpha, 5 beta-tetrahydroaldosterone (THAldo). We synthesized these steroids by bioreduction of aldosterone with intestinal bacteria. Mineralocorticoid agonist activity of 21-deoxy-Aldo, 21-deoxy-THAldo and THAldo, determined by bioassay using adrenalectomized rats, was 1-5%, less than 0.01%, and 0.1-0.5% that of aldosterone, respectively. 21-Deoxy-Aldo showed no antagonist activity. The relative affinity in competing with [3H]aldosterone for binding to mineralocorticoid receptors in adrenalectomized rat kidney cytosols was 94%, less than 0.01%, and less than 0.01% that of aldosterone. The relative binding affinity for rat renal glucocorticoid receptors was 23%, less than 0.01%, and less than 0.01% that of dexamethasone, and for corticosteroid-binding globulin 17%, less than 0.01%, and less than 0.01% that of cortisol. These results show that the naturally occurring steroid, 21-deoxy-Aldo, possesses mineralocorticoid agonist activity which is equivalent to that of 11-deoxycorticosterone, and has substantial affinity for rat renal mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors. The results also implicate the pathophysiological role of 21-deoxy-Aldo as a potential mineralocorticoid in 21-hydroxylase deficiency, where urinary excretion of this steroid is invariably elevated.