Effects of 2-Methylation on Glucocorticoid Activity of Various C-21 Steroids

Abstract
The anti-inflammatory and glycogen deposition activities of some C-21 steroids and their 2-methyl analogues have been described. The 2-methyl analogues were more potent than the parent compound in the cases of hydrocortisone, 9α-fluorohydrocortisone, 6-dehydrohydrocortisone, 11β, 17α-dihydroxyprogesterone and 9α-fluoro-11β, 17α-dihydroxyprogesterone. In the cases of 11β-hydroxyprogesterone, corticosterone, 9α-fluorocorticosterone, 9α-fluoro-llβ-hydroxyprogesterone and 11-ketoprogesterone the 2-methyl did not potentiate the activity. The 2-methyl analogues of cortisone, 9α-fluorocortisone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone were less effective than the parent steroid.