Mineralocorticoid properties of potential metabolites of 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone and 18-hydroxyprogesterone

The high secretion rate of 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone in hypertensives and the steroids implication as a mineralocorticoid has led to the synthesis of potential di-, tetra-, and hexahydro metabolites of it and 18-hydroxy-progesterone. These potential metabolites have been synthesized by reduction of the double bond and the 3- and 20-ketones, singly or in combination. They have been evaluated for pro- and antimineralocorticoid activity and their affinity for the renal aldosterone receptor. All except one of the potential metabolites either lack or have reduced mineralocorticoid activity and aldosterone receptor binding affinity. The exception is the 3-ketopregn-4-ene-18,20-diol which has high receptor affinity but functions as an aldosterone antagonist.