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The steroid 17-α-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-α-OHP) is produced by both the adrenal cortex and gonads. Even though 17-α-OHP has relatively little progestational activity, it is of intense clinical interest because it is the immediate precursor to 11 -desoxycortisol (Cpd-S). Because Cpd-S is produced by 21 -hydroxylation of 1 7-α-OHP, measurement of 1 7-α-OHP is a useful indirect indicator of 21 -hydroxylase activity. In congenital 21 -hydroxylase deficiency, the most common variety of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), 17-α-OHP is secreted in abundant excess. It is moderately elevated in the 1
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