title: GC-MS studies of 16-androstenes and other C19 steroids in human semen.
abstract: Human semen was examined for the presence of 16-androstenols, 16-androstenones and androgens. Extracts were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after derivatization of steroids under study. In a qualitative study, 5 alpha-androst-16-en-3 alpha- and 3 beta-ols, 5,16-androstadien-3 beta-ol and 5 alpha-androstan-3 beta-ol were detected in a semen pool A. Hydroxyl groups were converted to tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers, the ions selected for monitoring being [M-57]+, consistent with loss of the tert-butyl group. For a more detailed quantitative study, a second semen pool B was used. In this case, all hydroxyl groups were converted to trimethylsilyl ethers, while oxo groups were not derivatized. As with semen pool A, separation of steroids was achieved using capillary gas chromatography with appropriate temperature programming. Quantification was carried out by mass spectrometry using selected ion monitoring of two significant ions and appropriate internal standards. The following steroids were identified at the concentrations indicated: 5 alpha-androst-16-en-3 alpha- and 3 beta-ols and 5,16-androstadien-3 beta-ol (concentration range, 0.5-0.7 ng/ml). 5 alpha-Androst-16-en-3-one and 4,16-androstadien-3-one were also present at levels of 0.7-0.9 ng/ml. Two androgens, testosterone and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone were found at concentrations of 0.5 and 0.3 ng/ml, respectively. These data, showing the presence of 16-androstenes and androgens in human semen, appear to be consistent with testicular formation of these steroids. The possible significance of the odorous 16-androstenes is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biochemistry, United Medical School (Guy's Hospital), London, England.
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Kwan
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Trafford
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Makin
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Mallet
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Gower
mesh_terms: D000728:Androgens / Q000032:analysis*; D000736:Androstenes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D000737:Androstenols / Q000032:analysis; D002138:Calibration; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D000736:Androstenes; D000737:Androstenols; C000214:androst-16-en-3-one