The invention relates to the use of compounds to ameliorate or treat a condition such as a cystic fibrosis, neutropenia or other exemplified conditions. Exemplary compounds that can be used include 3.beta.-hydroxy-17.beta.-aminoandrost-5-ene, 3.beta.-hydroxy-16.alpha.-fluoro-17.beta.-aminoandrost-5-ene, 3.alpha.-hydroxy-16.alpha.-fluoro-17.beta.-aminoandrost-5-ene, 3.beta.-hydroxy-16.beta.-fluoro-17.beta.-aminoandrost-5-ene, 1.alpha.,3.beta.-dihydroxy-4.alpha.-fluoroandrost-5-ene-17-one, 1.alpha.,3.beta.,17.beta.-trihydroxy-4.alpha.-fluoroandrost-5-ene, 1.beta.,3.beta.-dihydroxy-6.alpha.-bromoandrost-5-ene, 1.alpha.-fluoro-3.beta.,12.alpha.-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene-17-one, 1.alpha.-fluoro-3.beta.,4.alpha.-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene and 4.alpha.-fluoro-3.beta.,6.alpha.,17.beta.-trihydroxyandrostane.