William W. Tullner

Effects of Amphenone “UB” on Thyroid, Adrenals, and Genital Tract of the Female Rat

Summary Amphenone “B” administered either orally or parenterally, exerts an atypical trophic action on the genital tract of the ovariectomized female rat. It also effects a rapid hypertrophy of the adrenals and thyroid. These adrenal effects are lacking in the hypophysectomized rat but the uterine stimulation is unaffected either by hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy. The compound also pos sesses an acute toxicity which is characterized by marked narcosis leading to death. The maximum effective dose is approximately two-thirds of the lethal dose.

Urinary Estrogen Excretion during Pregnancy in a Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)

Summary Urinary estrogen excretion was followed throughout pregnancy (9-35 weeks) in a lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). During this period, estrogen levels increased, with estriol showing a marked elevation similar to that reported in pregnant women, with a sharp decline after parturition. Estriol was not found 5 months after parturition.

Chorionic Gonadotropin Excretion during Pregnancy in a Gorilla

Summary In a pregnant lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla), urinary chorionic gonadotropin was demonstrable from 57 days after observed mating to within 1 week of parturition. Estimated period of gestation was 255 days. Although chorionic gonadotropin levels were much lower than those reported for the human female, the duration of hormone excretion was comparable to that of man.

Progestational activity of certain steroid-17-spirolactones.

Summary The steroid-17-spirolactones (I and II) have been shown to have progestational activity in the estrogen-primed immature rabbit.

Progestational activity of 19-norprogesterone and 19-norethisterone in the rhesus monkey.

Summary Two 19-nor steroids have been tested for progestational activity, as measured by inhibition of uterine bleeding following estrogen-withdrawal in the rhesus monkey. 19-norprogesterone was found to be 8 to 16 times as active as progesterone when administered parenterally. Orally administered 17 α-ethynyl-19-nortestosterone was active at 2.5 mg daily whereas 17 α-ethinyl testosterone was inactive in a range of dosages from 5 mg to 200 mg.

Progestational activity of halogenated corticosteroids and related compounds in rabbit and monkey.

Summary Progestational activity of 9 alpha-chlorohydrocortisone acetate, 9 alpha-fluorohydrocortisone acetate and 9 alpha-fluoro-11-beta-hydroxyprogesterone has been demonstrated using progestational proliferation of the rabbit endometrium (Clauberg test) as index of activity. Hydrocortisone acetate and cortisone acetate show a lack of activity in the same test. Progestational activity of 9 alpha-fluorohydrocortisone is further demonstrated by prevention of estrogen withdrawal bleeding and characteristic histological changes in the endometrium of the ovariectomized rhesus monkey pre-treated with estrogen.

Mediation of Progestational Action of Amphenone by the Rabbit Adrenal

Summary Progestational proliferation of the rabbit endometrium in response to amphenone has been shown to be dependent on the adrenals. The progestational effect of amphenone was prevented by adrenalectomy as well as by cortisone treatment. Large doses of ACTH failed to produce progestational changes in the rabbit endometrium. It was suggested that amphenone exerts its progestational effect on the rabbit uterus by inhibition of specific enzyme systems in the adrenocortical biosynthetic pathway resulting in excess progestogen secretion.