Identification of 16‐dehydropregnenolone as an intermediate in 16‐androstene biosynthesis in neonatal porcine testicular microsomes

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Abstract
The biosynthesis of 16‐androstenes has been studied in neonatal porcine testicular microsomes using 17‐hydroxypregnenolone and 16‐dehydropregnenolone, separately, as substrates. The metabolites formed after microsomal incubation with these substrates were purified, derivatized as O‐methyloxime‐trimethylsilyl ethers and analysed by capillary gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. In the incubation of 17‐hydroxy‐pregnenolone with microsomes, 16‐dehydropregnenolone was identified as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of 16‐androstenes. Further microsomal incubation of 16‐dehydropregnenolone has established the intermediary role of this steroid in the production of 16‐androstenes.