Electron emission from photo-excited testosterone in water-ethanol solution

J Photochem Photobiol B. 2009 Mar 3;94(3):179-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2008.11.009. Epub 2008 Dec 3.

Abstract

Testosterone (TES; 4-androstene-17beta-ol-3-on) is found for the first time to eject electrons from its singlet excited state in water-ethanol solvent mixture. This ability was very recently also observed for 17beta-estradiol (17betaE2) and progesterone (PRG)/1/. With increasing TES-concentration, the yield of solvated electrons (e(s)(-)) is decreasing, because of "associate" formation. At higher absorbed UV-doses (lambda=254 nm) the e(s)(-) yield is passing a sharp maximum by formation of TES-ethanol adducts, which are able likewise to emit electrons when excited. At prolonged irradiation the resulting photolytic products of TES-ethanol adducts are also able to emit electrons. The capability of the hormones: 17betaE2, PRG and TES to eject electrons and the resulting metabolites, some of which can induce cancer, is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Electrons*
  • Ethanol
  • Photolysis
  • Solutions
  • Testosterone / chemistry*
  • Testosterone / radiation effects
  • Ultraviolet Rays*
  • Water

Substances

  • Solutions
  • Water
  • Ethanol
  • Testosterone