Hmdb loader
Survey
You are using an unsupported browser. Please upgrade your browser to a newer version to get the best experience on Human Metabolome Database.
Record Information
Version5.0
StatusDetected and Quantified
Creation Date2005-11-16 15:48:42 UTC
Update Date2022-03-07 02:49:00 UTC
HMDB IDHMDB0000253
Secondary Accession Numbers
  • HMDB00253
Metabolite Identification
Common NamePregnenolone
DescriptionPregnenolone is a derivative of cholesterol, the product of cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (EC 1.14.15.6, CYP11A1. This reaction consists of three consecutive monooxygenations, a 22-hydroxylation, a 20-hydroxylation, and the cleavage of the C20-C22 bond, yielding pregnenolone. Pregnenolone is the precursor to gonadal steroid hormones and the adrenal corticosteroids. This reaction occurs in steroid hormone-producing tissues such as the adrenal cortex, corpus luteum, and placenta. The most notable difference between the placenta and other steroidogenic tissues is that electron supply to CYP11A1 limits the rate at which cholesterol is converted into pregnenolone in the placenta. The limiting component for electron delivery to CYP11A1 is the concentration of adrenodoxin reductase in the mitochondrial matrix which is insufficient to maintain the adrenodoxin pool in a fully reduced state. Pregnenolone is also a neurosteroid, and is produced in the spinal cord; CYP11A1 is the key enzyme catalyzing the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone, the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of all classes of steroids, and has been localized in sensory networks of the spinal cord dorsal horn. In the adrenal glomerulosa cell, angiotensin II, one of the major physiological regulators of mineralocorticoid synthesis, appears to affect most of the cholesterol transfer to the mitochondrial outer membrane and many steps in the transport to the inner membrane. Thus, it exerts a powerful control over the use of cholesterol for aldosterone production (PMID: 17222962 , 15823613 , 16632873 , 15134809 ).
Structure
Data?1582752119
Synonyms
ValueSource
(3BETA)-3-HYDROXYPREGN-5-en-20-oneChEBI
3beta-Hydroxypregn-5-en-20-oneChEBI
5-Pregnen-3beta-ol-20-oneChEBI
(3b)-3-HYDROXYPREGN-5-en-20-oneGenerator
(3Β)-3-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-oneGenerator
3b-Hydroxypregn-5-en-20-oneGenerator
3Β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-oneGenerator
5-Pregnen-3b-ol-20-oneGenerator
5-Pregnen-3β-ol-20-oneGenerator
5-Pregnen-3-beta-ol-20-oneHMDB
5 Pregnen 3 beta ol 20 oneHMDB
Chemical FormulaC21H32O2
Average Molecular Weight316.4776
Monoisotopic Molecular Weight316.240230268
IUPAC Name1-[(1S,2R,5S,10S,11S,14S,15S)-5-hydroxy-2,15-dimethyltetracyclo[8.7.0.0^{2,7}.0^{11,15}]heptadec-7-en-14-yl]ethan-1-one
Traditional Name1-[(1S,2R,5S,10S,11S,14S,15S)-5-hydroxy-2,15-dimethyltetracyclo[8.7.0.0^{2,7}.0^{11,15}]heptadec-7-en-14-yl]ethanone
CAS Registry Number145-13-1
SMILES
[H][C@@]12CC[C@H](C(C)=O)[C@@]1(C)CC[C@@]1([H])[C@@]2([H])CC=C2C[C@@H](O)CC[C@]12C
InChI Identifier
InChI=1S/C21H32O2/c1-13(22)17-6-7-18-16-5-4-14-12-15(23)8-10-20(14,2)19(16)9-11-21(17,18)3/h4,15-19,23H,5-12H2,1-3H3/t15-,16-,17+,18-,19-,20-,21+/m0/s1
InChI KeyORNBQBCIOKFOEO-QGVNFLHTSA-N
Chemical Taxonomy
Description Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as gluco/mineralocorticoids, progestogins and derivatives. These are steroids with a structure based on a hydroxylated prostane moiety.
KingdomOrganic compounds
Super ClassLipids and lipid-like molecules
ClassSteroids and steroid derivatives
Sub ClassPregnane steroids
Direct ParentGluco/mineralocorticoids, progestogins and derivatives
Alternative Parents
Substituents
  • Progestogin-skeleton
  • 20-oxosteroid
  • 3-hydroxy-delta-5-steroid
  • 3-hydroxysteroid
  • 3-beta-hydroxysteroid
  • 3-beta-hydroxy-delta-5-steroid
  • Oxosteroid
  • Hydroxysteroid
  • Delta-5-steroid
  • Cyclic alcohol
  • Secondary alcohol
  • Ketone
  • Organic oxygen compound
  • Hydrocarbon derivative
  • Carbonyl group
  • Alcohol
  • Organooxygen compound
  • Organic oxide
  • Aliphatic homopolycyclic compound
Molecular FrameworkAliphatic homopolycyclic compounds
External Descriptors
Ontology
Physiological effectNot Available
Disposition
Biological locationSource
Process
Role
Physical Properties
StateSolid
Experimental Molecular Properties
PropertyValueReference
Melting Point192 °CNot Available
Boiling PointNot AvailableNot Available
Water Solubility0.0071 mg/mL at 37 °CNot Available
LogP4.22HANSCH,C ET AL. (1995)
Experimental Chromatographic Properties

Experimental Collision Cross Sections

Adduct TypeData SourceCCS Value (Å2)Reference
[M-H]-MetCCS_train_neg182.86230932474
[M+H]+MetCCS_train_pos173.98130932474
[M+H]+Not Available177.248http://allccs.zhulab.cn/database/detail?ID=AllCCS00001969
Predicted Molecular Properties
PropertyValueSource
Water Solubility0.014 g/LALOGPS
logP4.06ALOGPS
logP3.58ChemAxon
logS-4.4ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Acidic)18.2ChemAxon
pKa (Strongest Basic)-1.4ChemAxon
Physiological Charge0ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count2ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count1ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area37.3 ŲChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count1ChemAxon
Refractivity93.76 m³·mol⁻¹ChemAxon
Polarizability38.09 ųChemAxon
Number of Rings4ChemAxon
BioavailabilityYesChemAxon
Rule of FiveYesChemAxon
Ghose FilterYesChemAxon
Veber's RuleYesChemAxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemAxon
Predicted Chromatographic Properties

Predicted Collision Cross Sections

PredictorAdduct TypeCCS Value (Å2)Reference
AllCCS[M+H]+181.92432859911
AllCCS[M-H]-186.89132859911
DeepCCS[M-2H]-211.73730932474
DeepCCS[M+Na]+186.19330932474

Predicted Kovats Retention Indices

Underivatized

MetaboliteSMILESKovats RI ValueColumn TypeReference
Pregnenolone[H][C@@]12CC[C@H](C(C)=O)[C@@]1(C)CC[C@@]1([H])[C@@]2([H])CC=C2C[C@@H](O)CC[C@]12C2458.5Standard polar33892256
Pregnenolone[H][C@@]12CC[C@H](C(C)=O)[C@@]1(C)CC[C@@]1([H])[C@@]2([H])CC=C2C[C@@H](O)CC[C@]12C2676.1Standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone[H][C@@]12CC[C@H](C(C)=O)[C@@]1(C)CC[C@@]1([H])[C@@]2([H])CC=C2C[C@@H](O)CC[C@]12C2842.6Semi standard non polar33892256

Derivatized

Derivative Name / StructureSMILESKovats RI ValueColumn TypeReference
Pregnenolone,1TMS,isomer #1CC(=O)[C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C2784.7Semi standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,1TMS,isomer #2CC(O[Si](C)(C)C)=C1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C2807.5Semi standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,1TMS,isomer #3C=C(O[Si](C)(C)C)[C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C2789.1Semi standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TMS,isomer #1CC(O[Si](C)(C)C)=C1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C2839.4Semi standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TMS,isomer #1CC(O[Si](C)(C)C)=C1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C2805.5Standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TMS,isomer #1CC(O[Si](C)(C)C)=C1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C3134.7Standard polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TMS,isomer #2C=C(O[Si](C)(C)C)[C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C2812.9Semi standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TMS,isomer #2C=C(O[Si](C)(C)C)[C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C2793.5Standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TMS,isomer #2C=C(O[Si](C)(C)C)[C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C3225.7Standard polar33892256
Pregnenolone,1TBDMS,isomer #1CC(=O)[C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C3018.6Semi standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,1TBDMS,isomer #2CC(O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)=C1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C3063.7Semi standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,1TBDMS,isomer #3C=C(O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)[C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C3056.2Semi standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TBDMS,isomer #1CC(O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)=C1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C3331.9Semi standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TBDMS,isomer #1CC(O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)=C1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C3291.2Standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TBDMS,isomer #1CC(O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)=C1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C3374.6Standard polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TBDMS,isomer #2C=C(O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)[C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C3331.6Semi standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TBDMS,isomer #2C=C(O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)[C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C3283.9Standard non polar33892256
Pregnenolone,2TBDMS,isomer #2C=C(O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)[C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@@H]3CC=C4C[C@@H](O[Si](C)(C)C(C)(C)C)CC[C@]4(C)[C@H]3CC[C@]12C3438.7Standard polar33892256
Spectra

GC-MS Spectra

Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyDeposition DateSourceView
Experimental GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone GC-MS (1 MEOX; 1 TMS)splash10-0fic-5910000000-4b4de0891180a420522a2014-06-16HMDB team, MONA, MassBankView Spectrum
Experimental GC-MSGC-MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone EI-B (Non-derivatized)splash10-05o0-2982000000-90eb349ceb4f7cdf4bf02017-09-12HMDB team, MONA, MassBankView Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot Available2021-10-12Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone GC-MS (TMS_1_1) - 70eV, PositiveNot Available2021-11-05Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone GC-MS (TMS_1_2) - 70eV, PositiveNot Available2021-11-05Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone GC-MS (TMS_1_3) - 70eV, PositiveNot Available2021-11-05Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone GC-MS (TBDMS_1_1) - 70eV, PositiveNot Available2021-11-05Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone GC-MS (TBDMS_1_2) - 70eV, PositiveNot Available2021-11-05Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone GC-MS (TBDMS_1_3) - 70eV, PositiveNot Available2021-11-05Wishart LabView Spectrum
MSMass Spectrum (Electron Ionization)splash10-052f-6920000000-2b11c86505b10fe4485f2014-09-20Not AvailableView Spectrum

MS/MS Spectra

Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyDeposition DateSourceView
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 10V, Positive-QTOFsplash10-00kb-0195000000-742fffef9b8fa170f05e2017-07-25Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 20V, Positive-QTOFsplash10-00kb-0391000000-7f19b3f9aed012b1e5392017-07-25Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 40V, Positive-QTOFsplash10-0kbo-3390000000-f6f0115bbcd9afb5ddb92017-07-25Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 10V, Negative-QTOFsplash10-014i-0039000000-5c36ec019f325626a9b62017-07-26Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 20V, Negative-QTOFsplash10-014i-0089000000-99239f61c3086ee3d4342017-07-26Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 40V, Negative-QTOFsplash10-0592-1090000000-66cb81b0a398e104af3c2017-07-26Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 10V, Negative-QTOFsplash10-014i-0009000000-be6e06313d0abca8e6642021-09-25Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 20V, Negative-QTOFsplash10-014j-0059000000-29a13c8b5bcf95bf2c0e2021-09-25Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 40V, Negative-QTOFsplash10-00ls-0091000000-ceb36b1daa98969bf5762021-09-25Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 10V, Positive-QTOFsplash10-014i-0069000000-4c14a1135d3725f8f03a2021-09-25Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 20V, Positive-QTOFsplash10-05mk-0591000000-a85817c6a0529a583cdf2021-09-25Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - Pregnenolone 40V, Positive-QTOFsplash10-0a4i-2920000000-465c7c1e069f6588a7062021-09-25Wishart LabView Spectrum

NMR Spectra

Spectrum TypeDescriptionDeposition DateSourceView
Predicted 1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 100 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 100 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 1000 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 1000 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 200 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 200 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 300 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 300 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 400 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 400 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 500 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 500 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 600 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 600 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 700 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 700 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 800 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 800 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR13C NMR Spectrum (1D, 900 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Predicted 1D NMR1H NMR Spectrum (1D, 900 MHz, H2O, predicted)2022-08-17Wishart LabView Spectrum
Biological Properties
Cellular Locations
  • Cytoplasm
  • Extracellular
  • Membrane (predicted from logP)
  • Mitochondria
  • Endoplasmic reticulum
Biospecimen Locations
  • Blood
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
  • Urine
Tissue Locations
  • Adrenal Cortex
  • Adrenal Gland
  • Brain
  • Kidney
  • Neuron
  • Ovary
  • Placenta
  • Testis
Pathways
Normal Concentrations
BiospecimenStatusValueAgeSexConditionReferenceDetails
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00474-0.0632 uMNewborn (0-30 days old)Female
Normal
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00186 +/- 0.00090 uMAdult (>18 years old)FemaleNormal details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00083 +/- 0.00080 uMAdult (>18 years old)BothNormal details
BloodDetected but not QuantifiedNot QuantifiedAdult (>18 years old)BothNormal details
BloodDetected but not QuantifiedNot QuantifiedAdult (>18 years old)Male
Normal
details
BloodDetected but not QuantifiedNot QuantifiedAdult (>18 years old)Female
Normal
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00424 +/- 0.00236 uMAdult (>18 years old)FemaleNormal details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.0147 +/- 0.0084 uMAdult (>18 years old)Female
Normal
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.0429 +/- 0.0325 uMAdult (>18 years old)Female
Normal
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.0573 +/- 0.0133 uMAdult (>18 years old)Female
Normal
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00985 +/- 0.00851 uMAdult (>18 years old)Female
Normal
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00373 +/- 0.00214 uMAdult (>18 years old)Female
Normal
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00168 +/- 0.00137 uMAdult (>18 years old)Female
Normal
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00088 +/- 0.00062 uMAdult (>18 years old)FemaleNormal details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00054 +/- 0.00033 uMAdult (>18 years old)FemaleNormal details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.013 +/- 0.0027 uMAdult (>18 years old)BothNormal details
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)Detected and Quantified0.00013 (0.000082-0.00019) uMAdult (>18 years old)BothNormal details
UrineDetected but not QuantifiedNot QuantifiedAdult (>18 years old)BothNormal details
Abnormal Concentrations
BiospecimenStatusValueAgeSexConditionReferenceDetails
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00401 uMNewborn (0-30 days old)Female
Adrenal insufficiency, congenital, with 46,XY sex reversal, partial or complete
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00082 +/- 0.00071 uMAdult (>18 years old)FemalePremenstrual dysphoric disorder (follicular stage of menstrual cycle) details
BloodDetected but not QuantifiedNot QuantifiedAdult (>18 years old)Male
Schizophrenia
details
BloodDetected but not QuantifiedNot QuantifiedAdult (>18 years old)Female
Schizophrenia
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.0423 +/- 0.0130 uMAdult (>18 years old)Female
Prepartum depression
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.0684 +/- 0.0222 uMAdult (>18 years old)Female
Prepartum depression
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00974 +/- 0.00371 uMAdult (>18 years old)Female
Postpartum depression
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00209 +/- 0.00090 uMAdult (>18 years old)Female
Postpartum depression
details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00179 +/- 0.00108 uMAdult (>18 years old)FemalePremenstrual dysphoric disorder (mid luteal stage of menstrual cycle) details
BloodDetected and Quantified0.00169 +/- 0.00107 uMAdult (>18 years old)FemalePremenstrual dysphoric disorder (late luteal stage of menstrual cycle) details
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)Detected and Quantified0.00003510 +/- 0.00002656 uMAdult (>18 years old)Not SpecifiedLeuprolide acetate-induced hypogonadism details
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)Detected and Quantified0.00005312 +/- 0.00004775 uMAdult (>18 years old)Not SpecifiedLeuprolide acetate-induced hypogonadism with testosterone replacment details
Associated Disorders and Diseases
Disease References
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  1. Epperson CN, Haga K, Mason GF, Sellers E, Gueorguieva R, Zhang W, Weiss E, Rothman DL, Krystal JH: Cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid levels across the menstrual cycle in healthy women and those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2002 Sep;59(9):851-8. [PubMed:12215085 ]
Prepartum depression
  1. Pearson Murphy BE, Steinberg SI, Hu FY, Allison CM: Neuroactive ring A-reduced metabolites of progesterone in human plasma during pregnancy: elevated levels of 5 alpha-dihydroprogesterone in depressed patients during the latter half of pregnancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Dec;86(12):5981-7. [PubMed:11739473 ]
Postpartum depression
  1. Pearson Murphy BE, Steinberg SI, Hu FY, Allison CM: Neuroactive ring A-reduced metabolites of progesterone in human plasma during pregnancy: elevated levels of 5 alpha-dihydroprogesterone in depressed patients during the latter half of pregnancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Dec;86(12):5981-7. [PubMed:11739473 ]
Schizophrenia
  1. Bicikova M, Hill M, Ripova D, Mohr P, Hampl R: Determination of steroid metabolome as a possible tool for laboratory diagnosis of schizophrenia. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2013 Jan;133:77-83. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2012.08.009. Epub 2012 Aug 24. [PubMed:22944140 ]
Adrenal insufficiency, congenital, with 46,XY sex reversal, partial or complete
  1. Kim CJ, Lin L, Huang N, Quigley CA, AvRuskin TW, Achermann JC, Miller WL: Severe combined adrenal and gonadal deficiency caused by novel mutations in the cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme, P450scc. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Mar;93(3):696-702. doi: 10.1210/jc.2007-2330. Epub 2008 Jan 8. [PubMed:18182448 ]
Associated OMIM IDs
  • 181500 (Schizophrenia)
  • 613743 (Adrenal insufficiency, congenital, with 46,XY sex reversal, partial or complete)
DrugBank IDDB02789
Phenol Explorer Compound IDNot Available
FooDB IDNot Available
KNApSAcK IDC00047082
Chemspider ID8611
KEGG Compound IDC01953
BioCyc IDNot Available
BiGG IDNot Available
Wikipedia LinkPregnenolone
METLIN IDNot Available
PubChem Compound8955
PDB IDNot Available
ChEBI ID16581
Food Biomarker OntologyNot Available
VMH IDPRGNLONE
MarkerDB IDMDB00000123
Good Scents IDNot Available
References
Synthesis ReferenceShingate, Bapurao B.; Hazra, Braja G.; Pore, Vandana S.; Gonnade, Rajesh G.; Bhadbhade, Mohan M. Stereoselective syntheses of 20-epi cholanic acid derivatives from 16-dehydropregnenolone acetate. Tetrahedron (2007), 63(25), 5622-5635.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)Download (PDF)
General References
  1. Kim YS, Zhang H, Kim HY: Profiling neurosteroids in cerebrospinal fluids and plasma by gas chromatography/electron capture negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Anal Biochem. 2000 Jan 15;277(2):187-95. [PubMed:10625505 ]
  2. Schoneshofer M, Weber B: Specific estimation of fifteen unconjugated, non-metabolized steroid hormones in human urine. J Steroid Biochem. 1983 Jan;18(1):65-73. [PubMed:6865405 ]
  3. Morfin R, Young J, Corpechot C, Egestad B, Sjovall J, Baulieu EE: Neurosteroids: pregnenolone in human sciatic nerves. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1992 Aug 1;89(15):6790-3. [PubMed:1386671 ]
  4. Eriksson CJ, Widenius TV, Leinonen P, Harkonen M, Ylikahri RH: Inhibition of testosterone biosynthesis by ethanol: relation to the pregnenolone-to-testosterone pathway. FEBS Lett. 1984 Jul 9;172(2):177-82. [PubMed:6540203 ]
  5. George MS, Guidotti A, Rubinow D, Pan B, Mikalauskas K, Post RM: CSF neuroactive steroids in affective disorders: pregnenolone, progesterone, and DBI. Biol Psychiatry. 1994 May 15;35(10):775-80. [PubMed:8043707 ]
  6. Hill M, Lukac D, Lapcik O, Sulcova J, Hampl R, Pouzar V, Starka L: Age relationships and sex differences in serum levels of pregnenolone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone in healthy subjects. Clin Chem Lab Med. 1999 Apr;37(4):439-47. [PubMed:10369116 ]
  7. Diallo S, Lecanu L, Greeson J, Papadopoulos V: A capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometric method for the quantification of hydroxysteroids in human plasma. Anal Biochem. 2004 Jan 1;324(1):123-30. [PubMed:14654054 ]
  8. Saenger P, Klonari Z, Black SM, Compagnone N, Mellon SH, Fleischer A, Abrams CA, Shackelton CH, Miller WL: Prenatal diagnosis of congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1995 Jan;80(1):200-5. [PubMed:7829612 ]
  9. Meloun M, Hill M, Militky J, Kupka K: Analysis of large and small samples of biochemical and clinical data. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2001 Jan;39(1):53-61. [PubMed:11256802 ]
  10. Lykkesfeldt G, Nielsen MD, Lykkesfeldt AE: Placental steroid sulfatase deficiency: biochemical diagnosis and clinical review. Obstet Gynecol. 1984 Jul;64(1):49-54. [PubMed:6234482 ]
  11. Hill M, Havlikova H, Vrbikova J, Kancheva R, Kancheva L, Pouzar V, Cerny I, Starka L: The identification and simultaneous quantification of 7-hydroxylated metabolites of pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 3beta,17beta-androstenediol, and testosterone in human serum using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2005 Jul;96(2):187-200. [PubMed:15908198 ]
  12. Weusten JJ, Smals AG, Hofman JA, Kloppenborg PW, Benraad TJ: Early time sequence in pregnenolone metabolism to testosterone in homogenates of human and rat testis. Endocrinology. 1987 May;120(5):1909-13. [PubMed:3569120 ]
  13. Doouss TW, Skinner SJ, Couch RA: Synthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate by the human adrenal. J Endocrinol. 1975 Jul;66(1):1-12. [PubMed:126268 ]
  14. Nishida S, Matsumura S, Horino M, Matsuki M, Oyama H, Tenku A, Kakita K, Tanaka H, Omukai Y: Dexamethasone suppressibility of plasma pregnenolone or dehydroepiandrosterone in gonadectomized patients. Steroids. 1979 Oct;34(4):471-6. [PubMed:229589 ]
  15. Pearson Murphy BE, Steinberg SI, Hu FY, Allison CM: Neuroactive ring A-reduced metabolites of progesterone in human plasma during pregnancy: elevated levels of 5 alpha-dihydroprogesterone in depressed patients during the latter half of pregnancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Dec;86(12):5981-7. [PubMed:11739473 ]
  16. Ahboucha S, Pomier-Layrargues G, Mamer O, Butterworth RF: Increased levels of pregnenolone and its neuroactive metabolite allopregnanolone in autopsied brain tissue from cirrhotic patients who died in hepatic coma. Neurochem Int. 2006 Sep;49(4):372-8. Epub 2006 Mar 24. [PubMed:16563564 ]
  17. Tuckey RC: Progesterone synthesis by the human placenta. Placenta. 2005 Apr;26(4):273-81. [PubMed:15823613 ]
  18. Storbeck KH, Swart P, Swart AC: Cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage: insights gained from homology modeling. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2007 Feb;265-266:65-70. Epub 2007 Jan 12. [PubMed:17222962 ]
  19. Patte-Mensah C, Kibaly C, Boudard D, Schaeffer V, Begle A, Saredi S, Meyer L, Mensah-Nyagan AG: Neurogenic pain and steroid synthesis in the spinal cord. J Mol Neurosci. 2006;28(1):17-31. [PubMed:16632873 ]
  20. Capponi AM: The control by angiotensin II of cholesterol supply for aldosterone biosynthesis. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2004 Mar 31;217(1-2):113-8. [PubMed:15134809 ]

Enzymes

General function:
Involved in sulfotransferase activity
Specific function:
Sulfotransferase that utilizes 3'-phospho-5'-adenylyl sulfate (PAPS) as sulfonate donor to catalyze the sulfate conjugation of many hormones, neurotransmitters, drugs and xenobiotic compounds. Sulfonation increases the water solubility of most compounds, and therefore their renal excretion, but it can also result in bioactivation to form active metabolites. Sulfates hydroxysteroids like DHEA. Isoform 1 preferentially sulfonates cholesterol, and isoform 2 avidly sulfonates pregnenolone but not cholesterol.
Gene Name:
SULT2B1
Uniprot ID:
O00204
Molecular weight:
39598.595
Reactions
Pregnenolone + Phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate → 3beta-Hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one sulfate + Adenosine 3',5'-diphosphatedetails
General function:
Involved in catalytic activity
Specific function:
Conversion of sulfated steroid precursors to estrogens during pregnancy.
Gene Name:
STS
Uniprot ID:
P08842
Molecular weight:
65491.72
Reactions
Pregnenolone + Oat gum → 3beta-Hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one sulfate + Waterdetails
General function:
Involved in monooxygenase activity
Specific function:
Catalyzes the side-chain cleavage reaction of cholesterol to pregnenolone.
Gene Name:
CYP11A1
Uniprot ID:
P05108
Molecular weight:
60101.87
Reactions
Cholesterol + reduced adrenal ferredoxin + Oxygen → Pregnenolone + 4-Methylpentanal + oxidized adrenal ferredoxin + Waterdetails
20a,22b-Dihydroxycholesterol + Oxygen + Reduced adrenal ferredoxin + Hydrogen Ion → 4-Methylpentanal + Pregnenolone + Water + Oxidized adrenal ferredoxindetails
General function:
Involved in monooxygenase activity
Specific function:
Conversion of pregnenolone and progesterone to their 17-alpha-hydroxylated products and subsequently to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione. Catalyzes both the 17-alpha-hydroxylation and the 17,20-lyase reaction. Involved in sexual development during fetal life and at puberty.
Gene Name:
CYP17A1
Uniprot ID:
P05093
Molecular weight:
57369.995
Reactions
Pregnenolone + Reduced acceptor + Oxygen → 17a-Hydroxypregnenolone + Acceptor + Waterdetails
General function:
Involved in monooxygenase activity
Specific function:
Not Available
Gene Name:
CYP7B1
Uniprot ID:
O75881
Molecular weight:
58255.325
Reactions
Pregnenolone + NADPH + Hydrogen Ion + Oxygen → 7alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone + NADP + Waterdetails
General function:
Involved in 3-beta-hydroxy-delta5-steroid dehydrogenase activity
Specific function:
3-beta-HSD is a bifunctional enzyme, that catalyzes the oxidative conversion of Delta(5)-ene-3-beta-hydroxy steroid, and the oxidative conversion of ketosteroids. The 3-beta-HSD enzymatic system plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of all classes of hormonal steroids. Efficiently catalyzes the transformation of pregnenolone to progesterone, 17-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone to 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, DHEA to 4-androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone to 5-alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol, dehydroepiandrosterone to androstenedione and 5-alpha-androstan-3 beta,17 beta-diol to 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone.
Gene Name:
HSD3B1
Uniprot ID:
P14060
Molecular weight:
42251.25
Reactions
Pregnenolone + NAD → Progesterone + NADH + Hydrogen Iondetails
General function:
Involved in 3-beta-hydroxy-delta5-steroid dehydrogenase activity
Specific function:
3-beta-HSD is a bifunctional enzyme, that catalyzes the oxidative conversion of Delta(5)-ene-3-beta-hydroxy steroid, and the oxidative conversion of ketosteroids. The 3-beta-HSD enzymatic system plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of all classes of hormonal steroids.
Gene Name:
HSD3B2
Uniprot ID:
P26439
Molecular weight:
42051.845
Reactions
Pregnenolone + NAD → Progesterone + NADH + Hydrogen Iondetails
General function:
Involved in monooxygenase activity
Specific function:
Not Available
Gene Name:
P450-CYP21B
Uniprot ID:
Q16874
Molecular weight:
56000.9
General function:
Involved in monooxygenase activity
Specific function:
Not Available
Gene Name:
CYP21A2
Uniprot ID:
Q08AG9
Molecular weight:
55972.9
General function:
Not Available
Specific function:
Specifically catalyzes the 21-hydroxylation of steroids. Required for the adrenal synthesis of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids.
Gene Name:
CYP21A2
Uniprot ID:
P08686
Molecular weight:
56000.94
Reactions
Pregnenolone + Reduced acceptor + Oxygen → 21-Hydroxypregnenolone + Acceptor + Waterdetails