Synthesis and pyrogenic effect of 3 alpha, 7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-androstan-17-one and 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 beta-androstane-7, 17-dione.

The first chemical synthesis of 3 alpha, 7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-androstan-17-one and 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 beta-androstane-7, 17-dione is reported. In this method, the 17 beta-side chain of commercial chenodesoxycholic acid was degraded in 6 steps after selective protection of the hydroxyl groups: 3 alpha-OH by a tert-butyldimethylsilyl group and 7 alpha-OH by an acetoxy group. The capacity of 3 alpha, 7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-androstan-17-one and 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 beta-androstane-7, 17-dione to release a pyrogen by human leukocytes was investigated by two independent methods: supernatants from leukocytes incubated with a steroid are injected to rabbits whose fever is measured, or tested by the Limulus Test (a pyrogen detection technique). The 7-keto substituted etiocholanolone still possessed pyrogenic activity, while the 7 alpha-hydroxyl substituted one did not.