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Published on: October 2, 2018
Biosynthesis of adrenal corticosteroids by the sesterterpene pathway via 23,24-dinor-4-cholen-3-one
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, England.
Abstract:
Rat adrenal gland preparations were incubated with 23,24-dinor-5-cholen-3 beta-ol (Guneribol), a proposed intermediate in the sesterterpene pathway for steroid biosynthesis. Steroids were isolated, purified by thin layer and high-performance liquid chromatographies and crystallized to constant specific activity. These preparations converted the substrate to 23,24-dinor-4-cholen-3-one. Radioactive 23,24-dinor-4-cholen-3-one was synthesised and incubated with further tissue preparations and shown to be converted to corticosteroids. These findings suggest that 23,24-dinor-4-cholen-3-one is an intermediate on the sesterterpene pathway for steroidogenesis.
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