Formation of 16α-Hydroxyprogesterone in Hyperplastic Adrenal Tissue

Abstract

Progesterone-4-C¹⁴ was incubated with homogenized adrenal glands removed from patients with Cushing's disease. The major radioactive product formed was 16a-hydroxyprogesterone (5.5 % conversion without cofactors, 21% conversion with TPNH and ACTH). Radioactivity was found also coincident with carriers 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 11 β-hydroxy androstenedione, corticosterone and cortisol. No radioactivity was associated with androstenedione or deoxy corticosterone. Studies of glucose metabolism in these glands revealed evidence consistent with active pentose, glycolytic and Krebs cycle pathways of metabolism.