FORMATION OF C19 11-HYDROXYSTEROIDS BY PORCINE LEYDIG-CELLS

In a previous study, we reported the presence of 11-beta-hydroxyandros tenedione and 11-beta-hydroxytestosterone in testicular vein blood fro m mature male pigs. Since C19 steroids with an oxygen function at C11 have not been recorded as products of steroid biosynthesis in normal m ammalian testes, we have examined their possible production in purifie d preparations of porcine Leydig cells. Both androstenedione and corti sol were added as substrates in studies using cell incubations of Leyd ig cells from mature boars (> 8 months old). Steroids were recovered f rom media by solid-phase extraction and separated by reversed-phase hi gh performance liquid chromatography. Peaks corresponding to retention times of authentic standard steroids were seen for both 11-beta-hydro xyandrostenedione and 11-beta-hydroxytestosterone from each substrate. Generally, lesser amounts of C19 11-oxosteroids were noted also. Defi nitive confirmation was made by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry for 11-beta-hydroxyandrostenedione in the media.