G. Kittinger
1964
Citations
0
Influential Citations
29
Citations
Journal
Steroids
Abstract
Abstract A quantitative method has been developed for the determination of sub-microgram quantities of α-ketolic steroids and their immediate precursors. The method is particularly well adapted for the investigation of biosynthetic pathways in the rat adrenal cortex. Steroids isolated from rat adrenal incubates are treated with HIO 4 in aqueous dioxane to quantitatively convert α-ketolic steroids to the corresponding etiocholenic acids. Aldosterone and 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone form internal esters. Gas chromatographic analysis of the product prior to esterification determines progesterone, 11β-hydroxyprogesterone, 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone and aldosterone. Esterification of the same product with diazomethane yields volatile esters of the free etiocholenic acids in the mixture. Rechromatography then determines the previously mentioned compounds plus deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone and dehydrocorticosterone as methyl esters of the corresponding etiocholenic acids. Applications and limitations of this method of corticosteroid analysis are discussed.