Theodore J. Foell

Thin-layer chromatography of steroids on starch-bound silica gel chromatoplates

Abstract A thin-layer chromatographic procedure for steroids is described wherein the thin-layer is prepared from silica gel with rice starch as binder.

Postcoital Contraceptive Effects Of Agonist Analogs Of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone

Various analogs of synthetic hypothalamic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) were evaluated for agonistic (ovulation-inducing), postcoital contraceptive, and direct uterotrophic activities. All analogs showing agonistic activity also possessed the ability to terminate pregnancy, as did LH-RH; there appeared to be a direct relationship between agonistic and postcoital potency and activity. The highly potent and active LH-RH agonist, D-[Ala]6-des-[Gly]10-pro9-ethylamide-LH-RH, proved to be the most potent and active postcoital preimplantational and postimplantational antifertility agent. In contrast to LH-RH, none of the analogs tested in the hypophysectomized animal produced a uterotrophic effect, revealing a selective extrapituitary effect of the parent hormone. The collective data demonstrate that peptides derived from LH-RH and bearing agonistic properties can terminate pregnancy postcoitally, via disruption of the pituitary-ovarian reproductive complex. Possible mechanisms are discussed, and the use of members of this neurohormonal class as potential profertility agents should be weighed with caution.

The identification of some human metabolites of norgestrel a new progestational agent.

Norgestrel 1 (racemic 13-beta-ethyl-17-alpha-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one) a progestational agent with an angular ethyl group between Rings C and D, was studied by mass spectrometry to discover its structural characteristics. Synthesis of postulated metabolites of Norgestrel 1 for use in identification is described and structural formulas are given. Urine was used as a source to characterize fractions via mass spectra, and the fraction spectra are listed. The major metabolite was 13-beta-ethyl-17-alpha-ethynl-5-beta-gonan-3-alpha-1m-beta-diol 8c.

16α-hydroxy steroids : III. Recognition of the 16α,17α-diol feature of triamcincolone by cyclic ketal formation on papergrams

Abstract A procedure for the preparation of 16α,17α-cyclic acetonide derivatives of steroid 16α,17α-diols directly on paper chromatograms is described. After reaciton on paper under standard conditions the acetonides formed are resolved by chromatographic development of the paper and the separated components are visualized. The procedure is suggested for early recognition of the 16α,17α-diol feature of certain steroid molecules.