QUALITATIVE STUDIES OF NEUTRAL 17-KETOSTEROIDS IN NORMAL SUBJECTS*†

Abstract

TOTAL urinary neutral 17-ketosteroids have been studied extensively as an index of human adrenal cortical activity, although their exact relationship with this activity is not known (1). The urinary 17-ketosteroids may be conversion products of other steroid substances. Administration of any of a wide variety of C₁₉ steroids increases the output of urinary 17-ketosteroids, especially androsterone and etiocholanolone (2, 3). Mason and Kepler (4, 5), and Sayers et al. (6) have suggested that urinary 17-ketosteroids are breakdown products of 21-carbon-atom adrenal cortical steroids. Conn (7) and Polley and Mason (8) reported an increased urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids following administration of adrenal cortical hormones. Sprague et al. (9) indicate that cortisone may depress urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion due to depression of some of the functions of the cortices, though an increase is reported in patients suffering with Addison's disease. Homburger (10) and Cuyler et al. (11) report no increase in urinary 17-ketosteroids on administration of adrenal cortical hormones. These observations have led to the concept that the 17-ketosteroids or related C₁₉ steroids are elaborated as such by the adrenal cortex and further, that they become altered by participation in metabolic activities and finally are excreted in a variety of forms in the urine (12–15).