19-oxo-deoxycorticosterone

Description

19-oxo-deoxycorticosterone (19-oxo-DOC) is a synthetic steroid hormone that is structurally similar to the naturally occurring hormone deoxycorticosterone (DOC).

**Here's why it's important for research:**

* **Mechanism of action:** 19-oxo-DOC is a potent agonist of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), meaning it binds to and activates this receptor. The MR is involved in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and other physiological processes.
* **Studies of mineralocorticoid receptor function:** 19-oxo-DOC is used in research to study the function of the MR. It allows researchers to investigate the effects of MR activation in various systems and models, including in vitro cell culture experiments and in vivo animal studies.
* **Development of new drugs:** 19-oxo-DOC has been investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for conditions like Addison's disease, a disorder of adrenal insufficiency. It's also been studied as a potential treatment for congestive heart failure and other conditions where MR activation might be beneficial.

**However, there are also some limitations to its use:**

* **Side effects:** 19-oxo-DOC can cause significant side effects, including fluid retention, hypertension, and potassium depletion. These side effects limit its clinical use and necessitate careful monitoring.
* **Limited therapeutic window:** The therapeutic window for 19-oxo-DOC is narrow, meaning that the dose range between effectiveness and toxicity is small. This makes it challenging to find an optimal dose for individual patients.

**Overall, 19-oxo-DOC is a valuable tool for researchers studying the MR and its role in various physiological processes. While it has shown potential for therapeutic use, its side effects and narrow therapeutic window have hindered its clinical application.**

19-oxo-deoxycorticosterone: metabolite of deoxycorticosterone in rat adrenals [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]