The stereospecificity of 3 alpha- and 12 alpha-bile salt hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase systems from four microbial sources.

5 beta-Cholanoates, having a hydroxyl group in the 3 alpha and 3 beta and/or 12 alpha and 12 beta configurations, were tested as substrates for two preparation of 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSDH) and two preparations of 12 alpha-HSDH. When the 3-OH group was in the alpha configuration, both 3 alpha-HSDH preparations reacted, but when it was in the beta configuration, neither 3 alpha-HSDH preparations reacted. This also held true for the 12 alpha-HSDH preparations.