THEIN VIVOMETABOLISM OF 121-DESOXYCORTISONE1

Abstract
A total of 3 gm. and 1 gm., respectively, of 21-desoxycortisone ([DELTA]4-pregnen-17 alpha-ol-3,ll,20-trione) were administered to 2 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Pregnane-3alpha,17 alpha-diol-ll,20-dione was isolated and identified as a metabolite of 21-desoxycortisone by melting point and infra-red spectrometry in the urine of both patients. Etiocholane-3alpha,llbeta-diol-17-one (and its dehydration product [DELTA]9(11)-etiocholen-3alpha-ol-17-one) and etiocholan-3alpha-ol-ll,17-dione were isolated and identified and are considered to be metabolites of 21-desoxycortisone from the urine of 1 patient.