Abstract
Routine colorimetric methods for the determination of urinary metabolites of the adrenal cortex tend to be unspecific. The separation of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) into 11-oxy and 11-deoxy fractions has usually entailed the use of column chromatography (Morris, 1959) or differential solvent extraction (Few, 1968).
Gas liquid chromatography for the group separation of 17-OHCS was described by Murphy and West in 1966 and in 1970 Makin examined various derivatives for the separation of adrenal steroids using a column of SE-30. He found formate esters suitable and in 1972 published details of a qualitative profile of 17-oxosteroids and 17-OHCS as an aid in the diagnosis of adrenal pituitary disorders.
We have used acetate esters for the quantitative assessment of 11-oxy and 11-deoxy 17-OHCS and some of our experiences are described in this paper.