Overview
Dehydrocorticosterone (11-DHC) is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that serves as a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of corticosterone and other adrenal corticosteroids. It plays a role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation. First isolated in the 1930s, this compound is primarily used in biochemical research to study steroid metabolism pathways. Unlike active corticosteroids, 11-DHC itself has minimal hormonal activity, making it valuable for controlled experimental studies without triggering strong physiological responses.
Physical and Chemical Properties
As a steroid derivative, dehydrocorticosterone exhibits typical characteristics of hydrophobic molecules with limited water solubility. Its crystalline form is stable under recommended storage conditions but may degrade when exposed to prolonged heat or humidity. The molecule contains characteristic keto groups at positions 3 and 20 of the steroid nucleus, with a double bond between C11 and C12. This unsaturated structure contributes to its role as a metabolic intermediate in the conversion of progesterone to active corticosteroids in adrenal tissues.
Main Applications
In pharmaceutical research, 11-DHC serves as a reference standard for analytical methods developing steroid assays. It's crucial for quality control in corticosteroid production and for studying metabolic disorders affecting adrenal function. The compound also finds use in veterinary endocrinology research, particularly in studies of stress responses in animals. Some experimental protocols employ 11-DHC to investigate enzyme inhibition in steroidogenesis pathways, contributing to drug development for endocrine diseases.
Safety and Storage
While not classified as highly hazardous, dehydrocorticosterone requires careful handling due to potential endocrine-disrupting properties. Laboratory workers should use gloves and eye protection when handling the powder, and operations should be conducted in well-ventilated areas. Long-term storage stability requires protection from oxidation. Argon gas purging of vials before sealing can extend shelf life. For research facilities, maintaining an inventory log with batch numbers and expiration dates is recommended to ensure material traceability.
B2B Procurement Guide
Bulk purchasers should prioritize suppliers with GMP certification for pharmaceutical intermediates. Typical order lead times range from 2-6 weeks depending on purity requirements and quantity (research quantities usually ship faster than kiloscale orders). Due to customs regulations on steroid compounds, international shipments often require special permits. Reputable suppliers provide comprehensive documentation including Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and export compliance paperwork. Some manufacturers offer custom synthesis services for isotope-labeled variants used in tracer studies.
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