Enteric biotransformation pattern of 17beta-boldenone and of androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD) in subfractions of bovine duodenal mucosa

Abstract

The androgenic steroid 17b-boldenone (17b-BOL) is still used as an illegal growth promoter in cattle. In a recent study [1], the oral administration of androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD) to veal calves resulted in the rapid onset of measurable serum and urinary levels of BOL and 17b-BOL but not of ADD up to 36 h after treatment, suggesting that ADD undergoes an extensive first pass metabolism. The biotransformation pattern of 17b-BOL and ADD was previously investigated in bovine hepatic subfractions [2]. The present study was designed to assess if and to which extent the intestine could contribute to the metabolic fate of both androgenic compounds.