Progesterone derivatives that bind to the digitalis receptor: Synthesis of 14β-hydroxyprogesterone. A novel steroid with positive inotropic activity

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jm00391a038

The synthesis of 14-hydroxy-14β-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (14β-hydroxyprogesterone) is described. This novel steroid is about 10 times more potent than progesterone and one-tenth as potent as ouabagenin in an [³H]ouabain radioligand binding assay and is the first in a series of progesterone congeners that interact at the cardiac glycoside receptor both to posses the C/D cis ring junction and to enhance contractility of isolated cardiac tissue.