In VitroMetabolism of 7α-Methyl-19-Nortestosterone by Rat Liver, Prostate, and Epididymis*

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Abstract
The in vitro metaboilsm of 7.alpha.-methyl-19-nor-testosterone (7.alpha.-methyl-3-oxo-estr-4-ene-17.beta.-ol) was investigated in male rat liver, ventral prostate, and epididymis. Three metabolites were recovered from the liver incubation: 7.alpha.-methyl-estr-4-ene-3,17-dione, 7.alpha.-methyl-5.beta.-estrane-3,17,.beta.-diol, and 7.alpha.-methyl-3-oxo-estr-4-ene-16,17.beta.-doil, whereas prostate and epididymis did not perceptibly metabolized the steroid. The kinetics of metabolism in liver differed significantly from those of testosterone or 19-nortestosterone. About 85% of the 7.alpha.-methyl-19-nortestosterone added was recovered at the end of 30 min of incubation. We conclude that the androgenic potency of 7.alpha.-methyl-19-nortestosterone is not dependent on its further conversion to 5.alpha.-dihydro-metabolites.