Biotransformation of (20S)-20-hydroxymethylpregna-1,4-dien-3-one by four filamentous fungi.

Microbial transformation of (20S)-20-hydroxymethylpregna-1,4-dien-3-one (1) by four filamentous fungi, Cunninghamella elegans, Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Gibberella fujikuroi, afforded nine new, and two known metabolites 2-12. The structures of these metabolites were characterized through detailed spectroscopic analysis. These metabolites were obtained as a result of biohydroxylation of 1 at C-6ß, -7ß, -11α, -14α, -15ß, -16ß, and -17α positions, except metabolite 2 which contain an O-acetyl group at C-22. These fungal strains demonstrated to be efficient biocatalysts for 11α-hydroxylation. Compound 1, and its metabolites were evaluated for the first time for their cytotoxicity against the HeLa cancer cell lines, and some interesting results were obtained.

Photo-conversion of two epimers (20R and 20S) of pregna-5,7-diene-3beta, 17alpha, 20-triol and their bioactivity in melanoma cells.

Pregna-5,7-dienes and their hydroxylated derivatives can be formed in vivo when there is a deficiency in 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) Delta-reductase function, e.g., Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS). Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces photoconversion of 7-DHC to vitamin D3, lumisterol3 and tachysterol3. Two epimers (20R and 20S) of pregna-5,7-diene-3beta,17alpha,20-triol (4R and 4S, respectively) were synthesized and their UVB photo-conversion products identified as corresponding 9,10-secosteroids with vitamin D-like and tachysterol-like structures, and 5,7-dienes with inverted configuration at C-9 and C-10 (lumisterol-like). The number and character of the products and the dynamics of the process were dependent on the UVB dose. At high UVB doses, the formation of multiple oxidized derivatives of the primary products, and the formation of 5,7,9(11)-triene, were observed. The production of vitamin D-like, tachysterol-like and lumisterol-like derivatives was also observed in human skin treated with 4R and 4S, and subjected to UV irradiation, as shown by RP-HPLC. Newly synthesized compounds inhibited melanoma growth in dose dependent manner, and some of them showed equal or higher potency than 1,25(OH)2D3. In summary, we have characterized for the first time the products of UV induced conversion of pregna-5,7-diene-3beta,17alpha,20-triols and documented that the newly synthesized compounds have antiproliferative properties against melanoma cells.

In vivo and in vitro effect of novel 4,16-pregnadiene-6,20-dione derivatives, as 5alpha-reductase inhibitors.

In this study, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of several new 3-substituted pregna-4,16-diene-6,20-dione derivatives (11a-11d). These compounds were prepared from the commercially available 16-dehydropregnenolone acetate. The biological effect of these steroids was demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro experiments. In the in vivo experiments, we measured the activity of the 11a-11d on the weight of the prostate gland of gonadectomized hamsters treated with testosterone plus finasteride or with the new steroids. For the studies in vitro, we determined the IC50 values by measuring the steroid concentration that inhibits 50% of the activity of 5alpha-reductase present in human prostate. In order to study the mechanism of action of 11a-11d, we also determined the capacity of these steroids to bind to the androgen receptor (AR) present in the rat prostate cytosol using labeled mibolerone as a tracer. The results from this work indicated that compounds 11a-11d significantly decreased the weight of the prostate as compared to testosterone treated animals and this reduction of the weight of the prostate was comparable to that produced by the finasteride. On the other hand 11a-11d exhibited a high inhibitory activity for the human 5alpha-reductase enzyme with IC50 values of 1.4 x 10(-8), 1.8 x 10(-9), 1.0 x 10(-8) and 4 x 10(-5) respectively. However the IC50 value of 11a (1.8 x 10(-9)) was the only one lower than that of finasteride (8.5 x 10(-9)). Nevertheless this compound did not show a higher potency in vivo as compared to that of compounds 11b-11d. The competition analysis for the androgen receptor indicated that the IC50 value of non-labeled mibolerone used in this experiment was 1nM, whereas steroids 10, 11a-11d did not inhibit the labeled mibolerone binding to the androgen receptor. On the other hand, steroid 10 did not show any activities in vitro or in vivo, and for this reason these steroidal derivatives (11a-11d) cannot be considered as prodrugs of compound 10. In conclusion, the compounds containing chlorine 11a, bromine 11b, iodine 11c atoms, and 11d (without any substituent in the ester moiety) at C-3 produce a significant decrease of the prostate weight in castrated animals treated with T and inhibits the activity of the 5alpha-reductase. Apparently the presence of the halogen atoms in compounds 11a-11c enhances the inhibitory activity for the 5alpha-reductase enzyme.

Cooperative inhibition of human thymidylate synthase by mixtures of active site binding and allosteric inhibitors.

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a target in the chemotherapy of colorectal cancer and some other neoplasms. It catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from methylenetetrahydrofolate to dUMP to form dTMP. On the basis of structural considerations, we have introduced 1,3-propanediphosphonic acid (PDPA) as an allosteric inhibitor of human TS (hTS); it is proposed that PDPA acts by stabilizing an inactive conformer of loop 181-197. Kinetic studies showed that PDPA is a mixed (noncompetitive) inhibitor versus dUMP. In contrast, versus methylenetrahydrofolate at concentrations lower than 0.25 microM, PDPA is an uncompetitive inhibitor, while at PDPA concentrations higher than 1 microM the inhibiton is noncompetive, as expected. At the concentrations corresponding to uncompetitive inhibition, PDPA shows positive cooperativity with an antifolate inhibitor, ZD9331, which binds to the active conformer. PDPA binding leads to the formation of hTS tetramers, but not higher oligomers. These data are consistent with a model in which hTS exists preferably as an asymmetric dimer with one subunit in the active conformation of loop 181-197 and the other in the inactive conformation.

Novel 17 substituted pregnadiene derivatives as 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors and their binding affinity for the androgen receptor.

The in vitro antiandrogenic activity of four new progesterone derivatives: 4, 5, 6 and 7 (8 is a known compound) was determined. These compounds were evaluated as 5alpha-reductase inhibitors as well as by their capacity to bind to the androgen receptor in gonadectomized hamster prostate. The IC(50) value was determined using increasing concentrations of 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 in the presence of [(3)H]T and the microsomal fraction of the hamster prostate containing the 5alpha-reductase enzyme. In this paper we also demonstrated the effect of increasing concentrations of the novel steroids upon [(3)H]DHT binding to the androgen receptors from hamster prostate which produces competition for the androgen receptor sites. The in vitro studies showed that steroids 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 had an inhibitory activity for the 5alpha-reductase with IC(50) of: 4 (0.17 microM), 5 (0.19 microM), 6 (1 microM), 7 (4.2 microM), and 8 (2.7 microM). On the other hand, the IC(50) value for compounds 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and DHT showed the following order of affinity for the androgen receptor: 6>7>5>DHT. Surprisingly compounds 4 and 8 did not bind to the androgen receptor. The overall data indicate that all synthesized compounds are inhibitors for the enzyme 5alpha-reductase present in the hamster prostate. In contrast, compounds 5, 6 and 7, which have a cyclohexyl group in the side chain showed a high affinity for the androgen receptor.

Antiandrogenic effects of novel androgen synthesis inhibitors on hormone-dependent prostate cancer.

We have found that in addition to being potent inhibitors of 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase and/or 5alpha-reductase, some of our novel androgen synthesis inhibitors also interact with the mutated androgen receptor (AR) expressed in LNCaP prostate cancer cells and the wild-type AR expressed in hormone-dependent prostatic carcinomas. The effects of these compounds on the proliferation of hormone-dependent human prostatic cancer cells were determined in vitro and in vivo. L-2 and L-10 are delta4-3-one-pregnane derivatives. L-35 and L-37 are delta5-3beta-ol-androstane derivatives, and L-36 and L-39 are delta4-3-one-androstane-derived compounds. L-2, L-10, and L-36 (L-36 at low concentrations) stimulated the growth of LNCaP cells, indicating that they were interacting agonistically with the mutated AR expressed in LNCaP cells. L-35, L-37, and L-39 acted as LNCaP AR antagonists. To determine whether the growth modulatory effects of our novel compounds were specific for the mutated LNCaP AR, competitive binding studies were performed with LNCaP cells and PC-3 cells stably transfected with the wild-type AR (designated PC-3AR). Regardless of AR receptor type, all of our novel compounds were effective at preventing binding of the synthetic androgen methyl-trienolone[17alpha-methyl-(3H)-R1881 to both the LNCaP AR and the wildtype AR. L-36, L-37, and L-39 (5.0 microM) prevented binding by >90%, whereas L-35 inhibited binding by 30%. To determine whether the compounds were acting as agonists or antagonists, LNCaP cells and PC-3AR cells were transfected with the pMAMneoLUC reporter gene. When luciferase activity was induced by dihydrotestosterone, all of the compounds were found to be potent inhibitors of transcriptional activity, and the pattern of inhibition was similar for both receptor types. However, L-2, L-10, and L-36 were determined to be AR agonists, and L-35, L-37, and L-39 were wild-type AR antagonists. When tested in vivo, L-39 was the only AR antagonist that proved to be effective at inhibiting the growth of LNCaP prostate tumor growth. L-39 slowed tumor growth rate in LNCaP tumors grown in male SCID mice to the same level as orchidectomy, significantly reduced tumor weights (P < 0.05), significantly lowered serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (P < 0.02), and significanty lowered serum levels of testosterone (P < 0.05). L-39 also proved to be effective when tested against the PC-82 prostate cancer xenograft that expresses wild-type AR. These results show that some of our compounds initially developed to be inhibitors of androgen synthesis also interact with the human AR and modulate the proliferation of hormone-dependent prostatic cancer cells. Therefore, compounds such as L-39, which have multifunctional activities, hold promise for the treatment of androgen-dependent prostate tumors.

Pharmacokinetics, protein binding and metabolic profile of 3H-icometasone enbutate following intravenous, oral and intratracheal administrations to Sprague-Dawley rats.

Absorption, distribution and excretion of 3H-icometasone enbutate (9 alpha-chloro-11 beta,17 alpha,21-trihydroxy-16 alpha-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 17-butyrate, 21-acetate, CAS 103466-73-5 CL09) were studied in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats after a single dose administration by intravenous (1 mg/kg), oral and intratracheal (2 mg/kg) routes. The metabolic profile after the different routes and protein binding were also determined. Independent of the route, the radioactivity was mainly excreted in faeces. Less than 10% of the dose were excreted in urine. The majority of the administered doses was recovered within 24 h postdose, and the total recovery of the doses administered was obtained. After oral and intravenous administration to bile-duct cannulated rats, most of the radioactivity was excreted in the bile (80% of the administered dose) and some radioactivity was found in the faeces. It can thus be concluded that some intestinal secretion occurred. After oral administration, mean maximum blood concentrations were obtained about 0.75 h postdose. For the intratracheal route, the radioactive dose administered was too low to determine precise blood pharmacokinetic parameters. However, the distribution study results allowed us to conclude that the drug was absorbed first from the lungs and then from the gastrointestinal tract. Immediately after the intravenous injection, the liver, the kidneys, the small intestine and its contents and the carcass presented the highest levels of radioactivity. 168 h postdose, low radioactivity was still measurable in these organs. In other tissues, the radioactivity decreased reaching the limit of quantification 72 h postdose. After oral administration, the maximum concentrations were observed 1 h after administration in the liver, the small intestine and its contents. Then the radioactivity decreased in most of the tissues but a slight increase at 72 and/or 120 h postdose was noted in large intestine contents, carcass, lungs, eyes. After intratracheal administration, the maximum radioactivity was observed in lungs and trachea. A few minutes later the radioactivity reached the gastrointestinal tract. The protein binding study showed a saturable binding in rat and human plasma without notable differences between the two species. The binding on human serum albumin was shown to be non saturable with a total binding capacity of 7.48 +/- 1.83 mumol/l, suggesting that other proteins were involved in CL09 binding. This binding was demonstrated to be reversible. CL09 was extensively metabolized since no unchanged CL09 was recovered in bile or urine and at least nine metabolites have been detected. The profiles seemed to be different according to the route of administration.

Lithocholic acid side-chain cleavage to produce 17-keto or 22-aldehyde steroids by Pseudomonas putida strain ST-491 grown in the presence of an organic solvent, diphenyl ether.

We devised a method to screen for microorganisms capable of growing on bile acids in the presence of organic solvents and producing organic solvent-soluble derivatives. Pseudomonas putida biovar A strain ST-491 isolated in this study produced decarboxylated derivatives from the bile acids. Strain ST-491 grown on 0.5% lithocholic acid catabolized approximately 30% of the substrate as a carbon source, and transiently accumulated in the medium androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione in an amount of corresponding to 5% of the substrate added. When 20% (v/v) diphenyl ether was added to the medium, 60% of the substrate was converted to 17-keto steroids (androst-4-ene-3,17-dione-like steroid, androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione) or a 22-aldehyde steroid (pregna-1,4-dien-3-on-20-al). Amounts of the products were responsible for 45, 10, and 5% of the substrate, respectively. In the presence of the surfactant Triton X-100 instead of diphenyl ether, 40% of the substrate was converted exclusively to androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione.

Enzyme induction and receptor-binding affinity of steroidal 20-carboxamides in rat hepatoma tissue culture cells.

The steroidal 20-carboxamides [(20R)- and (20S)-21-(N-substituted amino)-11 beta,17,20-trihydroxy-3,21-dioxo-1,4-pregnadiene] recently have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity in animal models of inflammation. These N-substituted methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, and benzyl derivatives also exhibited suppressive effects on plasma corticosterone and thymus function. Generally, the (20R)-hydroxy-20-carboxamides were more potent than the corresponding (20S)-epimers. In continuing investigations on the glucocorticoid effects of these compounds, we have studied their ability to induce tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), inhibit uptake of [3H]thymidine into DNA, and complete with [3H] dexamethasone for binding to the hepatoma tissue culture glucocorticoid receptor. Results indicated that the N-substituted methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl derivatives were full glucocorticoid agonists in the three measurements. Receptor binding affinities of the N-substituted carboxamides correlated well with their ability to induce TAT activity and to inhibit thymocyte proliferation. Structure-activity relationships indicated that the larger the N-substituent, the weaker the agonist activity in this system, and 20R isomers exhibited higher glucocorticoid agonist activity than the corresponding 20S isomers. This investigation is part of our effort to elucidate structure-activity relationships of steroidal carboxamides synthesized on the basis of the antedrug concept.

Binding affinities of rimexolone (ORG 6216), flunisolide and their putative metabolites for the glucocorticoid receptor of human synovial tissue.

The relative binding affinities (RBA) of two locally used glucocorticoids, rimexolone and flunisolide have been measured for the glucocorticoid receptor of human synovial tissue. The non-fluorinated derivative rimexolone exhibited a binding affinity (RBA of 130) somewhat higher than that of dexamethasone (RBA of 100) but lower than that of flunisolide (RBA 190). Potential metabolites of rimexolone hydroxolated at the C17 side-chain, showed decreased binding affinities, while the 6-hydroxy metabolite of rimexolone and flunisolide (its main metabolite) and the 4,5-dihydro metabolites of rimexolone hardly bound at all. These results support previous pharmacological findings that the high ratio of local to systemic effects of both compounds are due to a pronounced receptor affinity of the parent compounds and the fast systemic metabolism to derivatives with low pharmacodynamic activity.

Glutathione conjugation of synthetic steroids in isolated rat hepatocytes.

When designing steroid drugs with multiple double bonds, the influence of glutathione conjugation on the pharmacodynamics of drug action should be considered. We have examined the effect of canrenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, on isolated rat hepatocytes and found that 1 mM canrenone injured the hepatocytes during shortterm incubation at 37 C, while an analogue of canrenone which bears 4 double bonds (delta 1,11-CAN) did not manifest such toxicity. To further pursue this, we prepared testosterone analogues comprising multiple double bonds as model compounds, and incubated them with freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. The viability of the hepatocytes was not influenced by any of the steroids, but some of them having a double bond at the C6-C7 position reduced the cellular glutathione levels. This was found to be due to conjugation of glutathione to the C7 position of the steroid molecule, and the rate of conjugation was accelerated when an additional double bond was introduced at C1-C2 or C11-C12 positions. The finding is interesting as glucuronidation or sulfation are common as conjugation processes of steroids.

Difference in metabolic profile of potassium canrenoate and spironolactone in the rat: mutagenic metabolites unique to potassium canrenoate.

The metabolic fates of potassium canrenoate (PC) and spironolactone (SP) were compared for the rat in vivo and in vitro. Approximately 18% of an in vivo dose of SP was metabolized to canrenone (CAN) and related compounds in the rat. In vitro, 20-30% of SP was dethioacetylated to CAN and its metabolites by rat liver 9000 g supernatant (S9). Thus, the major route of SP metabolism is via pathways that retain the sulfur moiety in the molecule. PC was metabolized by rat hepatic S9 to 6 alpha, 7 alpha- and 6 beta, 7 beta-epoxy-CAN. The beta-epoxide was further metabolized to its 3 alpha- and 3 beta-hydroxy derivatives as well as its glutathione (GSH) conjugate. Both 3 alpha- and 3 beta-hydroxy-6 beta, 7 beta-epoxy-CAN were shown to be direct acting mutagens in the mouse lymphoma assay, whereas 6 alpha, 7 alpha- and 6 beta, 7 beta-epoxy-CAN were not. These mutagenic metabolites, their precursor epoxides and their GSH conjugates were not formed from SP under identical conditions. The above findings appear to be due to inhibition of metabolism of CAN formed from SP by SP and/or its S-containing metabolites, since the in vitro metabolism of PC by rat hepatic microsomes was appreciably reduced in the presence of SP. The hypothesized mechanism(s) for this inhibition is that SP and its S-containing metabolites specifically inhibit an isozyme of hepatic cytochrome P-450 or SP is a preferred substrate over PC/CAN for the metabolizing enzymes. Absence of the CAN epoxide pathway in the metabolism of SP provides a possible explanation for the observed differences in the toxicological profiles of the two compounds.

Danazol binds to progesterone receptors and inhibits the growth of human endometrial cancer cells in vitro.

Based on our recent findings that danazol, an isoxazol derivative of ethinyltestosterone, has a profound growth-inhibitory effect on an established human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line, the effects of danazol on cancer cells from human endometrial adenocarcinomas obtained by hysterectomy were investigated in the present study. Of the 22 uterine adenocarcinomas, estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors were found in 12, 14, and 4 tumors, respectively. Competitive binding studies showed that danazol specifically binds to progesterone and androgen receptors but not to estrogen receptors. Of the five cancer cells from five patients succeeded in primary cell culture, a marked inhibition of cell growth was demonstrated by addition of danazol in two cancer cells having progesterone but not androgen receptors. However, danazol did not affect the growth of the remaining three cancer cells lacking progesterone receptors. These results strongly suggest that danazol has a significant growth-inhibitory effect on human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells, possibly through progesterone receptors in the cells.

Carbamazepine-danazol drug interaction: its mechanism examined by a stable isotope technique.

Carbamazepine (CBZ) labeled with 15N was used to investigate the mechanism of its pharmacokinetic interaction with the antiestrogenic steroid danazol during treatment of a patient with epilepsy. Danazol led to a pronounced inhibition of CBZ metabolism. During danazol coadministration, CBZ elimination half-life increased from a pretreatment value of 11 to 24.3 h. Carbamazepine plasma clearance decreased from 57.7 to 23.2 ml/h/kg. Kinetic analysis of the plasma concentration-time curves and urinary excretion of [15N]trans-CBZ-diol revealed that danazol inhibited the epoxide-trans-diol pathway of carbamazepine metabolism. Observations in five other female patients confirm that the steady-state plasma concentrations of UCBZ increase between 50 and 100% during coadministration of danazol.

Effects of progesterone, progestogens, and danazol on the specific cortisol binding in human plasma.

The interaction of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) with cortisol binding to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) was studied with the use of an aqueous two-phase system with polyethylene glycol and dextran for equilibrium partition. Competitive binding analyses were also performed for progesterone (P), levonorgestrel, norethisterone, danazol, and tamoxifen. P and danazol were found to exert cortisol displacing activity, whereas MPA and the other tested compounds had no such effect. The glucocorticoid effects reported for MPA could not be explained by displacement. In general, P serum concentrations are lower than those of cortisol, and most binding sites on CBG are occupied by the glucocorticoid. At high P levels displacement and an increase in free cortisol may occur. Danazol displacement of cortisol is hampered by its pronounced albumin binding. In conclusion, none of the tested compounds should increase free and biologically active cortisol during normal clinical treatment.

Metabolism of unsaturated bile acids and androstanes by human faecal bacteria.

The metabolism of unsaturated bile acids and androstanes by mixed human faecal cultures has been studied. The reactions observed were mainly reductive. Unsaturated 4-ene-3-oxo and 1,4-diene-3-oxo bile acids were reduced in Ring A. 5 beta-3-Oxo bile acids were reduced to 5 beta-3-hydroxy bile acids. 4-Ene, 1,4-diene and 4,6-diene-3,17-dioxo-androstanes were reduced in Ring A with concomitant reduction of oxo groups to hydroxyl groups. The Gram-negative facultative anaerobic faecal bacteria are implicated in the reductive process, whilst the genus Clostridium does not appear to be important. Inclusion of menadione, a synthetic form of vitamin K, retards the reductive process.

The biosynthesis of 3 beta-hydroxy-5,7-androstadien-17-one by the horse fetal gonad.

Horse fetal gonadal tissue was incubated with 3 beta-hydroxy-5,7-pregnadien-20-one and 5,7-cholestadien-3 beta-ol and it was shown that both substrates were converted to 3 beta-hydroxy-5,7-androstadien-17-one. These findings support the proposal that in this tissue there is a 5,7-diene pathway producing 3 beta-hydroxy-5,7-androstadien-17-one, the putative precursor of equilin in the placenta.

Pharmacokinetics of spironolactone and potassium canrenoate in humans.

Plasma concentrations and urinary excretion of canrenone (III), canrenoic acid (IV) and canrenoic acid glucuronide (V) were determined by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and fluorometry after oral administration of spironolactone (I) and potassium canrenoate (II) to human subjects. Comparison of both assays for III in plasma as well as in urine after administration of I showed marked differences. Plasma concentrations of III were significantly higher after administration of II than I, Cmax and AUC from II being 3--5 times larger than those from I by means of HPLC assay, while the fluorometrically determined values for III in plasma after administration of I and II did not differ as much from each other. On the other hand, in contrast to plasma, the amount of III excreted in urine after administration of I was much larger than that after II, i.e. 3--4 times greater by means of HPLC and over 10 times greater by means of fluorometry. These results strongly suggest that precursors of III are formed which have a higher renal clearance than that for III alone after oral administration of I. Considering the relative biological potency ratio of I and II, it is presumed that their pharmacological activities may relate to the urinary excretion of III. Plasma concentrations of IV were definitely higher after administration of II compared to those after I. Canrenoic acid (IV) was excreted mainly as glucuronide (V) in urine.

The interaction of nivazol with the glucocorticoid receptor from rat and rhesus monkey target tissues.

Steroid hormone receptor competition techniques were used to evaluate the glucocorticoid receptor binding properties of nivazol and its 11 beta-hydroxy derivative, Win 44577 in rat and monkey target tissues. These agents competitively inhibited the binding of 3H-dexamethasone to the glucocorticoid receptor from the liver and anterior pituitary from both rat and monkey with relative binding affinities of Win 44577 greater than dexamethasone greater than nivazol greater than cortisol in all cases. However, nivazol and Win 44577 had approximately twice the affinity for the anterior pituitary glucocorticoid receptor from both species. Neither compound demonstrated any significant binding to rat estrogen, progestin or androgen receptors. These results are consistent with a glucocorticoid receptor mediated mechanism of action for nivazol and Win 44577; however, the difference in the endocrine profile of nivazol in the rhesus monkey versus the rat does not appear to be due to a species selectivity in the affinity of nivazol for the glucocorticoid receptor from central or peripheral target tissue.