SOME STUDIES ON THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF ALDOSTERONE AND OTHER ADRENAL STEROIDS

Abstract

It has been established in bovine capsule strippings, consisting mainly of zona glomerulosa tissue, that labeled progesterone, deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone are all converted to radioactive aldosterone. Analysis of the data indicates that at least 50% of the aldosterone produced is derived from corticosterone, and under special conditions it may reach 92%. Progesterone is a major precursor of both aldosterone and corticosterone, but there is some evidence that aldosterone may be formed to a minor extent by a pathway not involving progesterone. Deoxycorticosterone is also converted to aldosterone, and it appears that it is the intermediate between progesterone and corticosterone. The major sequence appears to be progesterone[forward arrow] deoxycorticosterone[forward arrow] corticosterone[forward arrow] aldosterone. Homogenates of zona glomerulosa tissue can convert cholesterol to corticosterone and then to aldosterone. It has not been established that the path between cholesterol and corticosterone involves progesterone, but it is suspected.