Effect of steroid contraceptive drug treatment on the catecholamine metabolism in the guinea pig central nervous system.

In an attempt to establish the biochemical basis of the neurological side-effects of steroid contraceptive drugs, the effect of chronic administration of lynestrenol-mestranol, a widely employed contraceptive combination, on the catecholaminergic system of the guinea pig striatum, brainstem, and hypothalamus, was investigated. The effect of these drugs on the transformation of tyrosine into dopamine and norepinephrine was investigated after cerobroventricular injection of a tracer dose of [3,5-3H]L-tyrosine. Treatment increased the conversion of [3H]Tyrosine into [3H]norepinephrine in the lower brainstem and hypothalamus was the same in treated and control animals. These findings confirm results previously obtained in female rats.

[Minipill as the new contraceptive method]. / Que faut-il penser de la "minipill" en tant que nouvelle méthode contraceptive.

PIP: The efficacy, side effects, and biologic actions of the progestogen-only minipills marketed since February 1973 are reviewed. The preparations are: 350 mcg norethisterone (Micronor Ortho), 30 mcg d-norgestrel (Microlut Schering and Microval Wyeth), and 500 mcg lynestrenol (Exluton Organon). The efficacy of these drugs depends on motivation: Pearl indexes vary from 1.17-3.72 for norethisterone, .9-4.4 for d-norgestrel, and .8- 2.2 for lynestrenol. Some physiologic effects of minipills possibly related to their mode of action are impermeable cervical mucus and low levels of progesterone, pregnanediol, estrogen, and LH. The side effects influencing dropout most are spotting (40-55% in the first cycle), polymenorrhea (about 10%), and amenorrhea (about 5-10%). Some transient estrogenic side effects such as nausea, headaches, and breast pain may be due to estrogenic metabolites from lynestrenol and norethisterone. None of the severe estrogenic side effects, such as thrombophlebitis and impaired glucose tolerance and liver function, are characteristic of progestogen pills.^ieng

Antifertility effect and some pharmacological actions of Butea frondosa seed extracts.

PIP: The antifertility effects and pharmacological actions of Betea fronosa seed extracts are reported. An alcoholic extract, chloroform extract, and an aqueous extract were tested. Drugs were administered in 6 female mice 5 days after mating. Laparotomy was performed on the 10th day of pregnancy to observe the implants and delivery by Cesarean section was made at 20 days. Female rats were similarly treated. Female rats were studied as well for estreus cycle and mating behavior under the influence of the drug. Antiestrogenic activity was tested in mature mice and androgenic activity was tested in immature male mice at 6 different extract doses. Decidual cell reaction was tested in rats with pseudopregnancy given different doses of the extract daily. Abortifacient and teratogenic actions were studied. Pharmacological studies included antiinflammatory studies, isolated tissues, blood pressure and respiration, diuretic action, and acute toxicity. Results indicate only the alcohol extract to be active. It has a distinct antifertility effect in rats but without a clearcut dose-response relationship. There was an incomplete suppression of fertility at 100 mg/kg. Estreus cycle was uneffected by the extracts although there was delayed mating in half the animals and a significant reduction in offspring. There was some inhibition of ovulation produced by the extract. Differences between controls and treated groups were insignificant regarding antiestrogenic activity and androgenic activity. There was a partial blocking of the decidual cell reaction. Complete resorption of implants was seen in 4 out of 5 mice when the extract was given at 1 gm/kg. The only other pharmacological action noted was inhibition of the action of acetylcholine and histamine on the guinea pig ileum. Pharamcodynamic and toxic effects are probably unrelated to the antifertility action of the extract.^ieng