title: Transformation of steroids by axillary coryneform bacteria.
abstract: Synopsis The contribution made by the apocrine glands to body odour has been discussed. In particular, the role of odorous steroids, such as 5alpha-androst-16-en-3-one (5alpha-A), and their formation by axillary bacteria, has been explored. Isotopically labelled testosterone was incubated (21 days at 37 degrees C) with strains of axillary bacteria, both separately and in mixtures, and the products characterized by capillary gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry. In many cases testosterone was converted into large yields of 5beta-dihydrotestosterone and 4-androstenedione, although 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, 5beta-androstanedione and androstanediols were also produced. Mixing certain coryneform bacteria appeared to cause some additive and some inhibitory effects. A non-polar steroid, with polarity similar to that of 5alpha-A, was formed in some incubations, but identification could not be confirmed. Nevertheless, preliminary experiments have indicated that 5alpha-A is present in axillary hair of men, and the possible reasons why we have failed to prove the biosynthesis of this odorous steroid are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, United Medical and Dental Schools (Guy's), London SE1 9RT.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Gower
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nixon
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Jackman
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Mallett