| Abstract: | Binding of some selected steroids and anabolic agents to bovine sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was investigated. SHBG binding affinities, relative to the reference hormone 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, were estimated for the compounds. The results demonstrate that binding of steroid hormones to SHBG is facilitated by the 17 beta-hydroxyl group, possibly involving hydrogen binding, and by the methyl group at C-19 of the steroid moiety. Structural modifications at C-17 of a steroid molecule involving esterification, epimerization or reduction of the 17 beta-hydroxyl group, or introduction of a bulky 17 alpha group have the effect of decreasing the SHBG binding affinity of the steroid molecule. |
