Electron emission from photo-excited testosterone in water-ethanol solution.
Testosterone (TES; 4-androstene-17beta-ol-3-on) is found for the first time to eject electrons from its singlet excited state in water-ethanol solvent mixture. This ability was very recently also observed for 17beta-estradiol (17betaE2) and progesterone (PRG)/1/. With increasing TES-concentration, the yield of solvated electrons (e(s)(-)) is decreasing, because of "associate" formation. At higher absorbed UV-doses (lambda=254 nm) the e(s)(-) yield is passing a sharp maximum by formation of TES-ethanol adducts, which are able likewise to emit electrons when excited. At prolonged irradiation the resulting photolytic products of TES-ethanol adducts are also able to emit electrons. The capability of the hormones: 17betaE2, PRG and TES to eject electrons and the resulting metabolites, some of which can induce cancer, is discussed.
Getoff
Nikola
N
The University of Vienna, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Section Radiation Biology, A-1090 Vienna, Althanstr. 14, UZAII, Austria. nikola.getoff@univie.ac.at
Schittl
Heike
H
Hartmann
Johannes
J
Quint
Ruth Maria
RM
D004583:Electrons; D000431:Ethanol; D010782:Photolysis; D012996:Solutions; D013739:Testosterone / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014867:Water
D012996:Solutions; D014867:Water; D000431:Ethanol; D013739:Testosterone