The Adrenogenital Syndrome

A brief resume of the adrenocortical enzymes concerned with the steroidal transformations discussed herein and a partial review of the literature follow. The enzyme (or enzymes) responsible for the conversation of pregnenolone to progesterone (1 to 2 in Fig. 1) is termed 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (A). This catalyzes the oxidation of the -OH group in the C-3 position, and it is probable that a second enzyme, "isomerase," converts the unsaturated compound from Δ5 to Δ4, although this alteration is known to occur in the course of ordinary chemical oxidation of this hydroxyl group. The enzyme, 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, was . . .