METABOLISM OF THE STEROID HORMONES: STUDIES ON 17-KETOSTEROIDS AND ANDROGENS1

Abstract

This communication is concerned with the influence of gonadeetomy, adrenalectomy and the combined operations of gonadectomy and adrenalectomy in male and female monkeys on the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids and androgens. The report is also concerned with the possible conversion of desoxycorticosterone and adrenal cortical steroids in whole extracts to 17-ketosteroids in gonadectomized- adrenalectomized monkeys, in an ovariectomized chimpanzee and in four men and a woman. SUBJECTS, ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS The subjects consisted of four patients with Addison’s disease, three men and one woman, and one hypogonadal male. Clinical studies on the four Addison’s disease patients have been published (Shipley, 1944). Five male and four female rhesus monkeys were used. Four of the animalshad been in the laboratory for about four years and were in good health. The remaining five were purchased from animal dealers and were in good health on arrival at the laboratory. None ofthe nine monkeys showed signs...