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| Pharmacokinetic data | |
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| Metabolism | Adrenal,Gonads |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.006.239 |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C21H32O3 |
| Molar mass | 332.484 g·mol−1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | |
| Melting point | 268 °C (514 °F) |
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17α-Hydroxypregnenolone is apregnane (C21)steroid that is obtained byhydroxylation ofpregnenolone at the C17α position. This step is performed by themitochondrialcytochrome P450 enzyme 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17A1) that is present in theadrenal andgonads. Peak levels are reached in humans at the end ofpuberty and then decline.[1] High levels are also achieved duringpregnancy. It is also a knownneuromodulator.
17α-Hydroxypregnenolone is considered aprohormone in the formation ofdehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), itself a prohormone of thesex steroids.
This conversion is mediated by the enzyme 17,20 lyase. As such 17α-hydroxypregnenolone represents an intermediary in the Δ5 pathway that leads from pregnenolone to DHEA. 17α-Hydroxypregnenolone is also converted to17α-hydroxyprogesterone, a prohormone forglucocorticosteroids andandrostenedione through the activity of3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
Measurements of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone are useful in the diagnosis of certain forms ofcongenital adrenal hyperplasia.[2]In patients withcongenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency 17α-hydroxypregnenolone is increased, while in patients withcongenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 17α-hydroxylase deficiency levels are low to absent.
17α-hydroxypregnenolone is a known neuromodulator as its acts in thecentral nervous system. Specifically, it is known to modulatelocomotion.[3]
