title: Syntheses and biological activities of 7 beta-methyl steroids.
abstract: The preparation of 7 beta-methyl-5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone acetate and its 2-thia-A-nor analogue is described. Biological evaluation shows that a 7 beta-Me largely decreases myotrophic-androgenic activity in both 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone and the 2-thia-A nor analogue. Testing for antitumor activity shows that the reduction in breast tumor weight was not significant for either compound, but the final tumor size in the animals treated with 7 beta-methyl-2-thia-A nor steroid at 10 (mg/kg)/day was significantly reduced. The effects of 7 beta-Me steroids on the various organ weights are also described. The influence of 7 beta-Me substituent on the biological activities of androgens may be mediated through direct interaction of the substituent with the receptor surface in contact with the third dimension of the steroid molecule.
mesh_terms: D000728:Androgens / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D013256:Steroids / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D013256:Steroids