Effects of δ 4 -Cholestenone in Animals and in Man

Abstract

Summary

1. Toxic effects of δ⁴-cholestenone fed at high dose levels to rats are described and data on absorption, distribution and fate of 4-C¹⁴-δ⁴-cholestenone are presented. 2. A major effect of high dose levels of δ⁴-cholestenone is a marked inhibition of adrenal steroid secretion accompanied by marked hypertrophy of adrenal cortex. Some possible implications with respect to the physiological role of cholesterol in steroid biosynthesis are discussed. 3. Low dose levels are well tolerated, but lead to accumulation of dihydrocholesterol in serum in rats and, more strikingly, in man.