Mifepristone (RU486): a review.
Fertil Steril
; 68(6): 967-76, 1997 Dec.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9418681
ABSTRACT
PIP: Through an online search of MEDLINE, the authors reviewed the literature on the development of mifepristone (RU-486); RU-486's mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, and distribution; the physiologic action of RU-486; potential new uses for RU-486; and its current use as both an abortifacient and therapy for endometriosis, leiomyoma, breast cancer, and meningioma. RU-486 is an 11beta-dimethyl-amino-phenyl derivative of norethindrone with a high affinity for P and glucocorticoid receptors. Receptor binding is not followed by the transcription of P-dependent genes. RU-486 effectively blocks P receptors in the placenta, resulting in the termination of pregnancy. It has also been used to treat leiomyomata, endometriosis, advanced breast cancer, and meningioma. The following therapeutic uses of RU-486 are discussed: the termination of early pregnancy, treatment with RU-486 in combination with prostaglandins, the termination of second-trimester pregnancy, cervical ripening, labor induction, postcoital contraception, uterine leiomyomata, endometriosis, breast cancer, and meningioma.
Key words
Abortion, Drug Induced; Abortion, Induced; Biology; Breast Cancer; Cancer; Contraception; Contraceptive Agents; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Contraceptive Agents, Postcoital; Diseases; Endocrine System; Endometrium; Family Planning; Fertility Control, Postconception; Fibroids; Genitalia; Genitalia, Female; Hormone Antagonists; Hormones; Literature Review; Neoplasms; Neoplasms, Benign; Physiology; Ru-486; Treatment; Urogenital System; Uterus
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal
/
Mifepristone
/
Abortion, Induced
/
Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic
/
Contraceptives, Postcoital, Synthetic
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Language:
En
Journal:
Fertil Steril
Year:
1997
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States