Use of 2-alpha-cyano-4-alpha, 5-alpha-epoxyandrostan-17-beta-ol-3-one derivatives for lowering levels of serum cortisol and for the treatment of clinical conditions associated thereof

摘要

Disclosed herein is a use of a compound of formula (I) or a 3-enol C1-4 alkanoate ester thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for effecting endocrinological cure, without extirpation of the source of increased cortisol production, of a condition selected from Alopecia X in dogs, laminitis in horses, Cushing's Syndrome, pseudo-Cushing's Syndrome, hypercortisolaemia associated with insulin dependant diabetes, hypercortisolaemia associated with aging, or hypercortisolaemia associated with depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, alcoholism, anorexia nervosa, bulimia or addiction, wherein R1, R2, R5, and R6 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or C1 to 4 alkyl; R3 is hydrogen, C1 to 4 alkyl, C1 to 4 alkenyl or C1 to 4 alkynyl; R4, is hydroxy, C1 to 4 alkanoyloxy, a group of formula (II) or (III) Wherein R7 is (CH2)n, where n is an integer of from 0 to 4, R8 is hydrogen, C1 to 4 alkyl, hydroxy or NH2 and R9 and R10 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or C1 to 4 alkyl; or R3 and R4 together are oxo, ethylenedioxy or propylenedioxy. These medicaments are for the treatment of man and other animals with diseases associated with abnormal production of adrenal steroids. The use of these medicaments also shows that sustained suppression of the adrenal hormones is not required to achieve relief of symptoms in these conditions.