No abstract

Following enzyme hydrolysis of the urine of infants aged 1 to 6 days, the neutral steroids have been extracted and their excretion patterns determined using a method based on paper chromatography. Three groups of compounds have been estimated\p=m-\those reacting with Zimmermann reagent, those reducing blue tetrazolium and those giving sodium fluorescence.

SUMMARY A method is described for the separation and estimation of neutral steroids in infant urine. The free steroids are obtained by a two-stage enzyme hydrolysis. Following preliminary chromatography, the extracts containing steroids of low and medium polarity are suitable for final resolution. The extract containing steroids of high polarity requires further purification by partition between ether-ethanol and aqueous ammonium sulphate, followed by reversed-phase paper chromatography. Final resolution of steroids in fractions of different polarity is achieved using Bush aqueous methanol systems. Losses incurred in the method are estimated by the use of 4-14C steroids.

SUMMARY Plasma levels of testosterone, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHAS) were estimated both before and after administration of clomiphene citrate to endocrinologically normal boys aged from 2–16 yr and to boys with adrenocortical hypofunction or hypogonadism. A divided daily dose of 200 mg/1·7 m2 of surface area was maintained for 15 days. The unconjugated steroids were measured by means of a double isotope derivative technique and the sulphates by gas-liquid chromatography. The boys without testicular anomaly who were well established in puberty responded with a rise in plasma testosterone. In contrast, prepubertal boys showed a statistically significant decrease in plasma testosterone levels. A concomitant finding was a significant rise in the plasma levels of androstenedione, DHA and DHAS. It is concluded that clomiphene does not liberate luteinizing hormone before puberty but it may well diminish its secretion. A secondary effect of clomiphene is the stimulation of adrenal C19-steroid production.