11-Deoxycortisol induces hepatic tryptophan oxygenase in rats

11-Deoxycortisol (cortexolone) has previously been used as a glucocorticoid antagonist in vitro and in adrenalectomized rats. Antiglucocorticoid properties of 11-deoxycortisol in intact rats were examined by studying the effect of 11-deoxycortisol on the induction of hepatic tryptophan oxygenase (TO) by corticosterone. No antiglucocorticoid effect was observed. When 11-deoxycortisol was injected into rats, the TO activity increased. This was probably mainly caused by an elevation of the serum corticosterone level. The induction of TO by 11-deoxycortisol was inhibited by metyrapone. However, 11-deoxycortisol (100 mg/kg) was still not a glucocorticoid antagonist even in presence of metyrapone.