Title: Some effects of progesterone and related compounds upon reproduction and early development in mammals.

POPLINE Document Number: 560014

Author(s):

Pincus G

Source citation:

Acta Endocrinologica, 1956;(Suppl 28):18-36.

Abstract:

Some effects of progesterone and related compounds upon reproduction and early development in mammals are described. The efforts were largel y directed toward studies designed to induce progesterone effects at critical stages during the follicular phase of the cycle. In humans, ovulation-time studies were based on the examination of the temperature curves, endometrial biopsies, and vaginal smears taken during control cycles. In the experimental cycles, positive diagnosis for ovulation time was possible in 27% of the temperature curves, 18% of the endometrial biopsies, and 6% of the vaginal smears. The incidence of ovulation time practically coincides with the incidence of mature corpora as revealed by laparotomy. Pregnanediol excretion studies suggest that progesterone taken orally may be excreted in the feces or that if it is absorbed via the enterohepatic circulation, a liver-produc ed metabolite other than pregnanediol is produced, which may or may not be the "effective" ovulation inhibitor. Follow-up studies revealed a rapid return to normal ovulation cycles following progesterone discontinuation. The effects of 19-nor-17-ethinyl testosterone and 17-ethinyl estraeneolone were examined in a limited number of humans. Their effects appear to be more potent and more promising than progesterone. The nonsteroidal substances, cirantin and metarylohydroquinone, were studied in rabbits and in rats. No marked antifertility action was observed in rabbits at dosages the same as or larger than those found effective with 15 active steroids, but both were effective in the rat. The deductions made from these studies are that 1) a number and variety of substances capable of preventing fertility in experimental animals are demonstrable, 2) certain substances having ovulation-inhibiting effects in experimental animals exhibit entirely comparable effects in the human female, and 3) effective substances may be taken by mouth or administered parenterally.

Keywords:

Clinical Research
Ovulation
Ovulation Detection
Body Temperature
Endometrial Effects
Vaginal Desquamate Effects
Progesterone
Steroid Metabolic Effects
Ovulation Suppression
Side Effects
Oral Contraceptives
Contraceptive Agents, Progestin
Research Methodology
Reproduction
Laboratory Procedures
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Examinations and Diagnoses
Physiology
Biology
Endometrium
Uterus
Genitalia, Female
Genitalia
Urogenital System
Vaginitis
Vaginal Abnormalities
Diseases
Progestational Hormones
Hormones
Endocrine System
Metabolic Effects
Contraceptive Mode of Action
Contraception
Family Planning
Treatment
Contraceptive Methods
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Contraceptive Agents