Synthesis and antimineralocorticoid activities of some 6-substituted 7 alpha-carboalkoxy steroidal spirolactones

Several analogues of the previously reported steroidal spirolactone 1a were synthesized. These analogues bear C-6 substituents and include the 6beta-deuterio (1c), the 6beta-bromo (1d), the 6beta-methyl (1e), and the 6alpha-methyl (7) compounds. The 6beta-hydroxy compound 1b, a human and animal metabolite of 1a, was also synthesized. On subcutaneous administration to adrenalectomized rats, all these compounds exhibited the ability to block the effects of administered deoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA) (MED less than or equal to 0.58 mg). Only 7 failed to show anti-DCA effects at the standard test level on oral administration. None was significantly superior in potency to the parent compound 1a.