Suppression of Biosynthesis of Adrenal Cortical Steroids in Man By Amphenone

SummaryAdministration of amphenone to patients with adrenal carcinoma and to normal subjects caused a fall in concentration of plasma hydrocortisone and corticosterone, and urinary 17,21-dihydroxy-20-ketosteroids. No striking decrease in urinary 17-ketosteroids was noted after amphenone therapy. The rate of metabolism of hydrocortisone, corti costerone, and tetrahydrohydrocortisone was not altered by amphenone therapy. Studies on the miscible pool and turnover rate of hydrocortisone and corticosterone demonstrated that amphenone exerted its effect through inhibition of adrenal cortical synthesis, and this was more marked with adrenal tissue relatively unresponsive to ACTH.