11-Beta-hydroxyandrostenedione (4-Androsten-11β-ol-3,17-dione) is a steroid mainly found in the the adrenal origin (11β-hydroxylase is present in adrenal tissue, but absent in ovarian tissue). 11-Beta-hydroxyandrostenedione is a 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD) isozymes inhibitor. As 4-androstenedione increases, measuring plasma 11-Beta-hydroxyandrostenedione can distinguish the adrenal or ovarian origin of hyperandrogenism[1][2].
[1]. Ibrahim F, et al. Plasma 11beta-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione: comparison of a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay using a biotinylated tracer with a radioimmunoassay using a tritiated tracer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2003 Apr;84(5):563-8. [2]. Rachelle Gent, et al. 11α-Hydroxyprogesterone, a potent 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, is metabolised by steroid-5α-reductase and cytochrome P450 17αhydroxylase/17,20-lyase to produce C11α-derivatives of 21-deoxycortisol