Investigations on Steroids. XII. Metabolites of Furazabol (17β-Hydroxy-17α-methyl-5α-androstano [2, 3-c] furazan) administered to Rats

Abstract

Isolation and characterization of metabolites of furazabol (17β-hydroxy-17α-methyl-5α-androstano [2, 3-c] furazan; IIa) following oral or subcutaneous administration of the compound to rats are described. From faeces were obtained the corresponding 18, 17β-lactone (I), unchanged furazabol, the 16β-hydroxylated compound (III), the 18-hydroxy-lated compound (IV), the 17α-hydroxymethyl derivative (V), the 18-carboxylic acid (VII) and a compound assumed to be the 4β, 16ξ-dihydroxylated 18, 17β-lactone (VI). In the bile the lactone (I) and probably the conjugated metabolites were present. Urinary metabolites were not characterized. The furazan ring of furazabol appeared to be stable in vivo. The metabolic significance of the isolated compounds is discussed.