Syntheses of (14 beta,15 beta,16 beta,17 alpha)- and (14 beta,15 alpha,16 alpha,17 alpha)-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-2,3,14,15,16,17- hexaols, possible candidates for the Inagami--Tamura endogenous digitalis-like factor, and their activity.

Structures are proposed for the Inagami-Tamura endogenous digitalis-like factor (EDLF), and two possible candidates, (14 beta,15 beta,16 beta,17 alpha)- and (14 beta,15 alpha,16 alpha,17 alpha)-2,3,14,15,16,17-hexahydroxy-1,3,5(10)-estratrienes, were synthesized. Both compounds were potent in inducing a contractile response in isolated rat aorta and guinea pig left atrium.