MICROBIOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF STEROIDS – III. Transformation Of Progesterone To Androstadienedione By The Mycelia And By Non–Germinating Spores Of Two Fungi

Abstract

Cylindrocarpon radicicola (ATCC 11011) and Fusarium solani (a local isolate) converted progesterone into androsta–1,4–diene–3,17–dione (androstadienedione) and 1–dehydrotestololactone. In the mycelial fermentation by C. radicicola both products could be demonstrated as long as there is progesterone in the medium, but as soon as all progesterone was consumed the androstadienedione produced was converted to 1–dehydrotestololactone. With the spores of the same fungus both products were demonstrated at all times, reaching a stable value within 12 hours. Both the mycelial and the spore fermentations by F. solani were similar to the spore fermentation by C. radicicola but the spores produced a higher androstadienedione to 1–dehydrotestololactone ratio than the mycelia. Isolation and confirmation of the identity of the transformation products and the different reactions exhibited by the mycelia and the spores of both fungi are described. The significance of the differences between mycelial and spore reactions in certain pharmaceutical fermentations and in understanding dormancy of fungal spores are discussed.