Two new triterpenoids have been identified by spectroscopic methods fr
om mycelia of Pisolithus tinctorius as 24-ethyllanosta-8,24(24(1))-die
ne-3 beta,22 xi-diol and (22S)-24,24-dimethyllanosta-8-en-22,24(1)-epo
xy-3 beta-ol-24(1)-one (25-methylpisolactone) along with the two known
triterpenoids 24-methyllanosta-8,24(24(1))-diene-3 beta,22 xi-diol an
d (22S)-24-methyllanosta-8-en-22,24(1)-epoxy-3 beta-ol-24(1)-one (piso
lactone). Quantification of these compounds in fungal isolates (surfac
e and suspension cultures) and Pinus sylvestris ectomycorrhizas showed
that the amount of the new triterpenoids was markedly higher in the m
ycorrhizas as in the isolates. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.