Photo-DHEA--a functional photoreactive dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) analog.
Steroids 2011;
76:502-7. [PMID:
21291900 DOI:
10.1016/j.steroids.2011.01.009]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2010] [Revised: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has beneficial effects on vascular function, survival of neurons, and fatty acid metabolism. However, a specific receptor for DHEA has not been identified to date. Here, we describe the synthesis of a photoreactive DHEA derivative (Photo-DHEA). In Photo-DHEA, typical characteristics of DHEA are conserved: (i) a "planar" tetracyclic ring system with a Δ(5) double bond, (ii) a 3β-hydroxyl group, and (iii) a keto group at C17. In cell-based assays, Photo-DHEA showed the same properties as DHEA. We conclude that Photo-DHEA is suitable for radioiodination to yield a tool for the identification of the elusive DHEA receptor.
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