Short column chromatographic separation of 11-deoxy- and 11-oxy-17-oxogenic steroids as dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives.

A method for the determination of urinary 17-oxogenic steroids in two fractions (11-deoxy-17-oxogenic and 11-oxy-17-oxogenic steroids) is described. The method is based on initial reduction with borohydride and on oxidation with sodium metaperidate, followed by the formation of dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives and the separation of the derivatives on short columns of alumina eluted by amyl alcohol to toluene. The assay is robust, reliable, and suitable as a simple laboratory measurement of the integrated adrenocortical function over time. Such analysis should be useful in any situation where cortisol metabolism is changed. Some suggested areas of applicability are in cases of Cushing's syndrome and in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.