Effects of several androgens and steroid metabolites on erythropoietin production in the isolated perfused dog kidney.

In an attempt to clarify the role of the kidney in the action of several androgens and steroid metabolites on erythropoietin (ESF) production, ESF titers were measured in perfusates of isolated kidneys from dogs previously exposed to 4-hr hypoxia and perfused with blood containing testosterone (Test), 5a-1 7 -hydroxyandrostan-3-one (BaD HT), 5 -1 7$hydroxyandrostan-3-one (5flDHT), 1 9-nortestosterone (19-nor), oxymetholone (Oxy), fiuoxymesterone (Fluoxy), 3ahydroxy-5fl-pregnane, 11 ,20-dione (3aOH5f3preg), or 3$-hydroxy-5 3pregnane-20-one (3/30H-5 preg). ESF levels in the perfusates were assayed in exhypoxic polycythemic mice. Test, 5aDHT, oxy, fluoxy, and 3flOH5 9-preg were found to produce a significant increase in ESF levels in the kidney perfusates. 5$DHT, 19-nor, and 3aOH5/9preg failed to produce a significant elevation in erythropoietin titers in the perfusates of the isolated perfused kidneys. These data suggest that the 4-5 double bond and the spatial configuration of the hydrogen at the 5 position as well as the lack of a methyl group in the 19 position of the basic androstan nucleus are important in the ability of these steroids to stimulate kidney production of ESF.