18-hydroxy-11-deoxy Corticosterone (18-OH-DOC) is a mineralocorticoid secreted by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal gland. Its biosynthesis is regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; ) as well as angiotensin II , which increases 18-OH-DOC production in isolated human adrenal glomerulosa cells. 18-OH-DOC can be formed via conversion of 11-deoxy corticosterone (DOC; ) in human SK-MEL188 melanoma cells. 18-OH-DOC is an intermediate in the metabolism of progesterone and can be converted to aldosterone by the capsular portion of rat adrenal glands. Continuous infusion of 18-OH-DOC (200 μg/rat per day) increases systolic blood pressure in uninephrectomized saline-drinking rats. Plasma levels of 18-OH-DOC are elevated in a db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes.
