17 alpha-alkynyl-11 beta, 17-dihydroxyandrostane derivatives : a new class of potent glucocorticoids.

Replacement of the characteristic dihydroxyacetone side chain of corticoids by a 17 alpha-alkynyl-17 beta-hydroxy moiety was investigated. It was found that, in particular, the 17 alpha-propynyl substitution is favorable for high local anti-inflammatory activity with reduced systemic effects. Moreover, these compounds were found to be devoid of any affinity for the aldosterone receptor, and may thus be considered as pure glucocorticoids.