THE ORIENTATION OF THE C-17 —OH GROUP OF OESTRADIOL IN RELATION TO ITS ANTI-ATHEROGENIC ACTIVITY

Abstract
SUMMARY: Pellets of 17α- and 17β-oestradiol were implanted into cholesterol-fed chickens. The 17α-isomer caused an increase in body weight, accompanied by testicular atrophy, and also caused an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity in the aorta and in the plasma. The β-isomer, besides the above effects, also enhanced hypercholesterolaemia and prevented coronary atherosclerosis. It is concluded that these last-named actions are related to the β-orientation of the —OH group at C-17 in the steroid nucleus.