Analysis of Urinary Adrenocortical Steroids

Abstract

Cumulative evidence from the past two decades suggests that the adrenal cortex is more than a single gland. Indeed, it is possible to differentiate the area responsible for the biogenesis of androgenic material from the zone responsible for the biosynthesis of aldosterone and this from yet another zone responsible for the formation of Cortisol. The assessment of the functional ability of each of these zones would, therefore, depend on the adequate analyses of the metabolic products derived from the specific steroid associated with each segment. We shall concern ourselves primarily with a discussion of methodology relating to the metabolic excretion products derived from Cortisol, which is conceded to be the primary glucocorticoid secreted by the human adrenal cortex. Through the mediation of peripheral and hepatic metabolism a series of reactions occur, modifying the molecule of Cortisol as outlined in Table 17–1. The side-chain degradation leading to androgenic or C-19 steroids has already been discussed previously and need not be gone into any further. Earlier studies on the metabolism of Cortisol or cortisone indicated that one of the prime urinary excretion products was the compound tetrahydrocortisone.