Desoxycorticosterone acetate

Desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) is a corticosteroid and a steroid hormone that is used in the treatment of Addison's disease. It is a synthetic analogue of desoxycorticosterone, a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal gland.

History

Desoxycorticosterone acetate was first synthesized in the 1930s as one of the first synthetic corticosteroids. It was used as a treatment for Addison's disease before the development of cortisone.

Pharmacology

DOCA acts as a mineralocorticoid receptor agonist. It binds to the mineralocorticoid receptor in the kidney, leading to increased reabsorption of sodium and water and the excretion of potassium. This results in an increase in blood volume and blood pressure.

Medical uses

DOCA is used in the treatment of Addison's disease, a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough corticosteroids. It is also used in the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a group of inherited disorders affecting the adrenal glands.

Side effects

Side effects of DOCA can include hypertension, edema, heart failure, hypokalemia, and hypernatremia. Long-term use can lead to osteoporosis and glaucoma.

See also

• Corticosteroid
• Addison's disease
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia