IN VITROSTEROIDOGENIC PROPERTIES OF A NEW HYPERTENSION-PRODUCING COMPOUND ISOLATED FROM NORMAL HUMAN URINE1

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Abstract
The steroidogenic properties of a glycoprotein fraction (ASF), isolated from normal human urine, were studied in cat adrenal capsular collagenase-dispersed cells and its effects compared to those of ACTH and Angiotensin II (All). ACTH, All and ASF induced dose-related increases in both aldosterone and cortisol production. In order of potency, ACTH = AII > ASF in stimulating aldosterone production and ACTH > AII > ASF in stimulating cortisol production. Increases in cAMP accompanied the steroidogenic response to ACTH but not to All or ASF. The response to AII, but not to ASF, was inhibited (87% of normal) by equimolar concentrations of [Sar1, Thr8]AII, a specific AII antagonist. These results suggest that ASF is a true aldosterone secretagogue and that it initiates steroidogenesis by mechanisms similar to those of AII. However, the inability to block its effect with a specific antagonist of All provides evidence for its action on a separate receptor site.