19-ALDEHYDO-4-ANDROSTENE-3,17-DIONE - AN ESTROGEN PRECURSOR THAT INHIBITS SEBACEOUS SECRETION IN A RAT MODEL

19-aldehydo-4-androstene-3,17-dione (A; R = CHO), a biogenetic precurs or of estrone in the body, has been found to suppress sebum secretion in the ovariectomized testosterone-treated Wistar rat at 1/2000 times the dose of cyproterone acetate required to produce an equivalent effe ct. The action of this steroid must therefore be analogous to that of an estrogen even though, in striking contrast to estradiol, it is with out effect on uterine weight or vaginal cornification. It is postulate d that 19-aldehydo-4-androstene-3,17-dione (A; R = CHO) is converted l ocally into estrone (B) by aromatase present in skin but only in low c oncentrations in vagina and uterus. The potential of biogenetic precur sors (I) of estrogens for therapy of acne or alleviation of the worst effects of skin aging is worth investigation.