Effect of N-Acetyl-para-Aminophenol on Plasma Levels of 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
When hydrocortisone (25 mg/kg) and prednisolone (10 mg/kg) were each administered in combination with N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (NAPA) (250 mg/kg) to rabbits, the mean plasma levels of free 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS), 2 hours after dosage, were found to be 253 [plus or minus] 27 and 236 [plus or minus] 46%, respectively, of those attained when the same dose of hydrocortisone or prednisolone alone was given. The increased plasma levels of 17-OHCS caused by NAPA administration were comprised of corticosteroids with the [DELTA] 4-3-keto group intact. Reduction of the [DELTA] 1-bond of prednisolone to yield hydrocortisone did not occur. The marked increase in plasma levels of 17-OHCS is presumed to be due to inhibition by NAPA of steroid-glucuronide formation in the liver. It is suggested that elevated plasma levels of 17-OHCS observed in patients receiving large doses of stilbestrol or salicylates may likewise be due, in part, to inhibition of 17-OHCS glucuronylation.