Biological Activities of Some 6-Methylated Progesterones.

Abstract

Progestational, estrogen-antagonistic and adrenal depressant activities of a series of 6-methylated steroids was determined. Generally, introduction of a 6α-methyl group increased potency over the parent compound; 6β-methylation of 17-acetoxyprogesterone increased potency to a lesser extent. When the configuration of the 6-methyl group was neither α nor β, potencies generally were about the same as or slightly less than the 6α-methylated form. Exception to this was 6 − methyl − 6-dehydro-17-acetoxyprogesterone which had high oral potency. Adrenal depression was noted following 6-methylation.