Synthesis of a tritiated 3-dehydroecdysteroid putative precursor of ecdysteroid biosynthesis in Locusta migratoria

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)96161-7

We have synthesized a tritiated form of 14α-hydroxy-5β-cholest-7-ene-3,6-dione (5β-diketol) of high specific activity (1.74 TBq/mmol) from 7-dehydrocholesterol in seven steps with stereoselective introduction of the A/B cis ring junction as the key reaction. We have examined the ability of endocrine glands (prothoracic glands) of Locusta migratoria to use this molecule as a precursor of 3-dehydroecdysone and of ecdysone biosynthesis. A very efficient conversion of 5β-diketol to ecdysone and to 3-dehydroecdysone was monitored, which opens up new possibilities for the understanding of the role of 3-dehydro-compounds in ecdysteroid biosynthesis.