Canrenone (Aldadiene; SC9376; SC14266) is an aldosterone antagonist extensively used as a diuretic agent.
Canrenone inhibits the production of eortieosterone, 18-hydroxydesoxyeortieosterone, 18-hydroxycorticosterone and aldosterone in a dose-dependent manner[1]. Canrenone dose-dependently reduces platelet-derived growth factor–induced cell proliferation and motility. Canrenone inhibits the activity of the Na+/H+ exchanger 1 induced by platelet-derived growth factor[2].
Canrenone is the principal active metabolite of Spironolactone in the rat only for a limited period. During chronic treatment a difference developed between the effect of Spironolactone and Canrenone on the RAAS indicating a decrease in the anti-mineralocorticoid activity of Canrenone and an increase in the efficacy of Spironolactone[3].
References:
[1]. Erbler HC, et al. On the mechanism of the inhibitory action of the spirolactone SC 9376 (aldadiene) on the production of corticosteroids in rat adrenals in vitro. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 1973;277(2):139-49.
[2]. Caligiuri A, et al. Antifibrogenic effects of canrenone, an antialdosteronic drug, on human hepatic stellate cells. Gastroenterology. 2003 Feb;124(2):504-20.
[3]. Erbler HC, et al. Effect of spironolactone and its main metabolite canrenone on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system during long-term treatment in rats. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1979 Jan;90(1):147-56.