Fluorinated androgens and progestins: molecular probes for androgen and progesterone receptors with potential use in positron emission tomography

Mol Pharmacol. 1987 Sep;32(3):391-403.

Abstract

In order to develop imaging agents for receptor-positive tumors of the breast and prostate, we have investigated the binding affinity of several fluorine-substituted steroids in the testosterone and nortestosterone series for the androgen receptor and the progesterone receptor. The 6 alpha- and 11 beta-fluoro-, and 16 alpha-fluoroalkyl-substituted steroids were prepared by an olefin bromofluorination reaction followed by dehydrobromination or reductive debromination. The 17 alpha-fluoromethyl derivatives were prepared by fluoride ion attack on the 17-spiroepoxide or 17-spiro sulfate and the 17 alpha-fluoropropynyl derivative, by reaction of a propargyl alcohol precursor with diethylaminosulfur trifluoride. Of the compounds synthesized, 17 alpha-(3-fluoro-I-propynyl)nortestosterone was found to possess the highest binding affinity and selectivity for the progesterone receptor, and 11 beta-fluoronordihydrotestosterone had the greatest affinity for the androgen receptor. Both receptor systems seem to tolerate reasonably well the substitution of fluorine for hydrogen.

MeSH terms

  • Androgens* / chemical synthesis
  • Androgens* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Chemical Phenomena
  • Chemistry
  • Female
  • Fluorine
  • Ligands
  • Progestins* / chemical synthesis
  • Progestins* / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Androgen / analysis*
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism
  • Receptors, Progesterone / analysis*
  • Receptors, Progesterone / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed
  • Uterus / analysis

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Ligands
  • Progestins
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • Receptors, Progesterone
  • Fluorine