METABOLIC EFFECTS OF THREE TESTOSTERONE DERIVATIVES INCLUDING 17α-ETHYL-19-NORTESTOSTERONE

Abstract

SUMMARY: 1. The protein anabolic properties of three derivatives of testosterone have been investigated. 2. 17α-methyl-Δ⁵-androstene-3β: 17β-diol and 17α-methyl androstane-3α: 17β-diol produced nitrogen retention in doses approaching those reported as androgenic by other investigators. 3. The third compound, 17α-ethyl-19-nortestosterone (17-ENT), which was studied in greatest detail, produced nitrogen retention in moderate dosage. Other metabolic effects were a fall in urinary calcium and, usually, a fall in faecal calcium. Phosphorus balance agreed with that calculated from nitrogen and calcium balance. Plasma calcium showed no consistent variation, while plasma phosphorus fell. 17-ENT also brought about marked changes in weight, and in fluid, sodium, potassium and chloride balances which are probably due partly to the retention of nitrogen and corresponding intracellular fluid, and partly to increased sweating. When given to two patients with osteoporosis due to prolonged steroid therapy, and receiving prednisone, the compound appeared to aid the restoration of a positive calcium balance. 17-ENT was found to have definite androgenic effects, but their intensity requires further study.