14α-Hydroxyoestrone, a new oestrogen metabolite

Abstract

1. Incubation of oestrone with ox adrenal glands leads to the formation of two main metabolites, one of which has recently been identified as 15α-hydroxyoestrone; the second metabolite (Oe-5) has now been obtained in crystalline form and identified as the hitherto unknown 14α-hydroxyoestrone. 2. The identity of compound Oe-5 with 14α-hydroxyoestrone was confirmed conclusively by comparison with 14α-hydroxyoestrone that was synthesized by pyrolytic aromatization of 14α-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione. 3. The physical and chemical properties as well as the oestrogenic activity of 14α-hydroxyoestrone are described. 4. The biogenesis and metabolism of 14α-hydroxyoestrone were studied in various tissue preparations.