title: 3,beta-Hydroxy-5agr-cholestan-6-one: A Possible Precursor of agr-Ecdysone Biosynthesis.
abstract: The conversion of cholesterol into 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha-cholestan-6-one has been demonstrated to occur in prothoracic glands of last instar larvae of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Incubation of glands containing radiolabeled 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha-cholestan-6-one results in the disappearance of this sterol from the glands and the concomitant appearance of radiolabeled alpha-ecdysone in the medium. The observations suggest that the sterol is an intermediate in the synthesis of alpha-ecdysone.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sakurai
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ikekawa
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ohtaki
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chino