NEW PROGESTERONE METABOLITES IN HUMAN MYOMETRIUM

Homogenates from human myometrium with an added NADPH regenerating system and ATP were incubated with 4-14C progesterone. Six metabolites were identified: 5.alpha.-pregnane-3,20-dione, 5.beta.-pregnane-3,20-dione, 3.alpha.-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one, 3.beta.-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one, 20.alpha.-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and 20.beta.-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one. The identification of these metabolites was based on their behavior in paper chromatography and TLC and especially in radiogas chromatography either as free compounds or after formation of derivatives. The identification of the 2 allylic metabolites was supplemented by specific microchemical and enzymatic reactions. The formation of 5.beta.-pregnane-3,20-dione, 20.beta.-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and of the 2 allylic alcohols 3.alpha.-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one and 3.beta.-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one in human myometrium homogenates was demonstrated for the 1st time.