Separation of Urinary 17-Ketosteroids by Glass Paper Chromatography

Abstract
A chromatographic method for fractionation of urinary 17-ketosteroid (17-KS) on glass fiber paper is described. The first chromatogram of the hydrolyzed 17-KS conjugates separates the total 11-oxy and 11-desoxy groups. Quantitative separation of the individual 11-desoxy-17-KS is achieved with 3 additional chromatographic systems, each of which requires only 50–60 min. Epiandrosterone has been quantitatively separated from the closely related steroid, dehydroeptandrosterone, and excretion rates for this steroid are presented. The first stage chromatographic procedure provides a rapid technique for routine clinical assessment of total 11-oxyand 11-desoxy-17-KS excretion. The 4-stage chromatographic technique has proved of value in defining the pattern of individual urinary 11-desoxy-17-KS excretion in a variety of clinical conditions.