Kalpana Kalpana (Editor)

17α Hydroxypregnenolone

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Metabolism
  
Adrenal, Gonads

PubChem CID
  
3032570

ChEBI
  
CHEBI:28750

Formula
  
C21H32O3

CAS ID
  
387-79-1

CAS Number
  
387-79-1

ChemSpider
  
17215939

ECHA InfoCard
  
100.006.239

Molar mass
  
332.48 g/mol

17α-Hydroxypregnenolone

17α-Hydroxypregnenolone is a pregnane (C21) steroid that is obtained by hydroxylation of pregnenolone at the C17α position. This step is performed by the mitochondrial cytochrome P450 enzyme 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17A1) that is present in the adrenal and gonads. Peak levels are reached in humans at the end of puberty and then decline. High levels are also achieved during pregnancy.

Contents

Prohormone

17α-Hydroxypregnenolone is considered a prohormone in the formation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), itself a prohormone of the sex steroids.

This conversion is mediated by the enzyme 17,20 lyase. As such 17α-hydroxypregenolone represents an intermediary in the Δ5 pathway that leads from pregnenolone to DHEA. 17α-Hydroxypregneolone is also converted to 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, a prohormone for glucocorticosteroids and androstenedione through the activity of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Neurosteroid

There is some evidence that 17α-hydroxypregnenolone may have activity as a neurosteroid.

Clinical use

Measurements of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone are useful in the diagnosis of certain forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency 17α-hydroxypregnenolone is increased, while in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 17α-hydroxylase deficiency levels are low to absent.

References

17α-Hydroxypregnenolone Wikipedia