A COLOR TEST FOR DEHYDROISOANDROSTERONE AND CLOSELY RELATED STEROIDS, OF USE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ADRENOCORTICAL TUMORS

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Abstract
A simple color test for dehydroisoandrosterone and certain other closely related compounds having a double bond in Ring B has been found very useful in differentiating cases of adrenal cortical tumor and cases of female pseudohermaphrodism with adrenal hyperplasia. The test can be carried out on either butyl alcohol extracts or on ether extracts (after hydrolysis) of the urine. A suitable aliquot, usually 1/200 or less of a 24-hr, specimen, is evaporated to dryness and 2 ml. of a special sulfuric acid reagent (4 parts of concentrated sulfuric acid to one part of 90% ethyl alcohol) is added and the soln. heated for 12 min. at 55[degree]C. This period of heating produces a brown color in all extracts. After cooling for one min. in cold water, 3 ml. of 95% ethyl alcohol are added. The presence of dehydroisoandrosterone in the extract causes the prompt appearance of a purple or blue color when the alcohol is added. The urine of 5 cases of adrenal tumor gave a strongly positive test, whereas the urine of 6 cases of female pseudohermaphrodism gave negative results. The color produced with dehydroisoandrosterone is stable and shows a sharp absorption max. at 600 m[mu]. This can be used as a reference standard for rough quantitative measurement of the amt. of dehydroisoandrosterone present in the urine provided the amt. present is 5-10 mg. or more in a 24-hr. specimen.