THE METABOLIC AND CORTICOTROPHIN-SUPPRESSING ACTIVITY OF CERTAIN C21-DEOXYSTEROIDS

Abstract

The metabolic effects of a C21-deoxysteroid have been examined and a series of derivatives of C21-deoxyhydrocortisone tested for corticotropin-suppressing potency. l-4-Pregnandien-9[alpha]-fluoro-6[alpha]-methyl-1113, 17[alpha]-diol-3-20-dione at a dose level of 100 mg daily results in nitrogen catabolism and sodium retention. The 6a-methyl group is more potent than the [DELTA] 1-2 or the 9a-fluoro groups in enhancing the corticotropin-suppressing activity of C21-deoxyhydrocortisone. It is suggested that the absence of the C2l-hydroxyl group of hydrocortisone influences the relative effects of these 3 nuclear substitutents.