Mode of formation of cholesta-5,7-dien-3β-ol from cholest-5-en-3β-ol by larvae of Calliphora erythrocephala

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Abstract
1. The conversion of cholest-5-en-3β-ol (cholesterol) into cholesta-5,7-dien-3β-ol by axenic Calliphora erythrocephala larvae was demonstrated. 2. The transformation is probably direct (Δ5→Δ5,7) and does not involve a Δ0 intermediate (Δ5→Δ0→Δ7→ Δ5,7). 3. Δ7-bond formation involves the stereospecific elimination of the 7β hydrogen atom. 4. The relative amounts of free and esterified sterols were determined in larvae grown on cholesterol as sole sterol source and on 5α-cholestan-3β-ol supplemented with minimal amounts of cholesterol. 5. The significance of the results is assessed in relation to the probable role of cholesta-5,7-dien-3β-ol as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of ecdysones.