Increased estrogen receptor alpha immunoreactivity in the forebrain of sexually satiated rats

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) participates in the neuroendocrine regulation of male sexual behavior, primarily in brain areas located in the limbic system. Males of many species present a long-term inhibition of sexual behavior after several ejaculations, known as sexual satiety. It has been shown that androgen receptor density is reduced 24 h after a single ejaculation or mating to satiety, in the medial preoptic area, nucleus accumbens and ventromedial hypothalamus. The aim of this study was to analyze if the density of ERalpha was also modified 24 h after a single ejaculation or mating to satiety. Sexual satiety was associated with an increased ERalpha density in the anteromedial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTMA), ventrolateral septum (LSV), posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD), medial preoptic area (MPA) and nucleus accumbens core (NAc). A single ejaculation was related to an increase in ERalpha density in the BSTMA and MePD. ERalpha density in the arcuate (Arc) and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei (VMN), and serum estradiol levels remained unchanged 24 h after one ejaculation or mating to satiety. These data suggest a relationship between sexual activity and an increase in the expression of ERalpha in specific brain areas, independently of estradiol levels in systemic circulation.

Hormone-like behavioral effects of levonorgestrel and its metabolites in the male rat

Levonorgestrel (LNG), a contraceptive progestin, exhibits, besides its progestational activity, other hormone-like effects at the peripheral level. To assess whether LNG and its metabolites exert androgenic and/or estrogenic actions at the central nervous system (CNS), their effects on male sexual behavior in castrated rats were examined. LNG, 5alpha-dihydro LNG (5alphaLNG), and the 3alpha,5alpha- and 3beta,5alpha-tetrahydro derivatives of LNG (3alphaLNG and 3betaLNG, respectively) were administered for 3 weeks either alone (1000 microg/day) or in combination (300 microg/day) with 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT, 300 microg/day) or with estradiol-17beta (E(2), 5 microg/day). Copulatory behavior was assessed twice per week and sex accessory organs weights recorded at the end of treatments. LNG restored full copulatory behavior comparable to that of testosterone treated animals, although with a slight delay, whereas 5alphaLNG induced male sexual behavior in a significantly lower number of subjects. 3betaLNG and 3alphaLNG induced mounting but failed to restore intromission and ejaculation. Combined LNG+E(2) treatment fully activated mounting and intromission, but ejaculation was only partially restored. Combined 5alphaLNG+E(2) treatment and the combinations of 3alphaLNG or 3betaLNG with E(2) were significantly less effective, activating fewer intromissions and ejaculations. 3alphaLNG and 5alphaLNG, in combination with DHT, restored male sexual behavior. LNG, but not its metabolites, induced a significant increase on the weight of sex accessory organs. The overall results demonstrated that high doses of LNG induce a potent androgen agonistic behavioral effect and that its A-ring reduction diminishes this potency and enables a shift towards a weak estrogen-like effect.

Assessment of the oestrogenic activity of the contraceptive progestin levonorgestrel and its non-phenolic metabolites

Levonorgestrel (13beta-ethyl-17alpha-ethynyl-17beta-hydroxy-4-gonen-3-one), a potent contraceptive progestin stimulates growth and proliferation of cultured breast cancer cells through a receptor-mediated mechanism, even though levonorgestrel does not bind to the oestrogen receptor (ER). To assess whether the oestrogen-like effects induced by this synthetic progestin are exerted via its metabolic conversion products, we studied the binding affinity of three A-ring levonorgestrel derivatives to the ER and their capability to transactivate an oestrogen-dependent yeast system co-transfected with the human ER gene and oestrogen responsive elements fused to a beta-galactosidase reporter vector. The results demonstrated that the 3beta,5alpha reduced levonorgestrel derivative and to a lesser extent its 3alpha isomer interact with the oestrogen receptor, with a significantly lower relative binding affinity (2.4% and 0.4%, respectively) than that of oestradiol (100%), while levonorgestrel does not. Both levonorgestrel metabolites were able to activate, in a dose-dependent manner, the beta-galactosidase reporter gene in the yeast expression system, an effect that was precluded by a steroidal antioestrogen. The oestrogenic potency of levonorgestrel metabolites was significantly lower (750-fold) than that of oestradiol. Furthermore, high doses of 3beta,5alpha levonorgestrel (2.5 mg/day/6 days) induced an increase of oestrogen-dependent progestin receptor in the anterior pituitary of castrated rats. The overall data offer a plausible explanation for the weak oestrogenic effects induced by high, non-pharmacological doses of levonorgestrel.

A-ring reduced metabolites of 19-nor synthetic progestins as subtype selective agonists for ER alpha

It has previously been demonstrated that 19-nor contraceptive progestins undergo in vivo and in vitro enzyme-mediated A-ring double bond hydrogenation. Bioconversion of 19-nor progestins to their corresponding tetrahydro derivatives results in the loss of progestational activity and acquisition of estrogenic activities and binding to the ER. Herein, we report subtype-selective differences in ligand binding and transcriptional potency of nonphenolic synthetic 19-nor derivatives between ER alpha and ER beta. In this study, we have examined both ER- and PR-mediated transcriptional activity of a number of A-ring chemically reduced derivatives of norethisterone and Gestodene. Double bond hydrogenation decreased the transcriptional potency of norethisterone and Gestodene through both PR isoforms with a 100- to 1,000-fold difference, respectively. In terms of the effects of norethisterone and Gestodene and their corresponding 5 alpha-dihydro (5 alpha-norethisterone and 5 alpha-Gestodene), or 3 alpha,5 alpha-tetrahydro or 3 beta,5 alpha-tetrahydro derivatives (3 alpha,5 alpha-norethisterone/3 alpha,5 alpha-Gestodene and 3 beta,5 alpha-norethisterone/3beta,5 alpha-Gestodene, respectively) on estrogen-mediated transcriptional regulation, the 3 beta,5 alpha-tetrahydro derivatives of both norethisterone and Gestodene showed the highest induction when HeLa cells were transiently transfected with an expression vector for ER alpha. This activity could be inhibited with tamoxifen. These compounds did not activate gene transcription via ER beta, and none of them showed antagonistic activities through either ER subtype. The 3 beta,5 alpha-tetrahydro derivatives of both norethisterone and Gestodene were active in other cells in addition to HeLa cells and activated reporter expression through the oxytocin promoter. In summary, two ER alpha selective agonists have been identified. These compounds, with ER alpha vs. ER beta selective agonist activity, may be useful in evaluating the distinct role of these receptors as well as in providing useful insights into ER action.

In vitro metabolism of gestodene in target organs: formation of A-ring reduced derivatives with oestrogenic activity

Gestodene (13beta-ethyl-17alpha-ethynyl-17beta-hydroxy-4,5-gonadien-3-one), the most potent progestin ever synthesized, stimulates breast cancer cell growth through an oestrogen receptor-mediated mechanism, and its use in hormonal contraception has been associated with side effects attributable to oestrogenic actions. These observations have remained controversial, since gestodene does not bind to the oestrogen receptor or exert oestrogen-like activities. Recently, we have demonstrated that non-phenolic gestodene derivatives interact with oestrogen receptors and induce oestrogenic effects in cell expression systems. To assess whether gestodene is biotransformed to metabolites with intrinsic oestrogenic potency, [3H]- and [14C]-labelled gestodene were incubated in vitro with rat anterior pituitary, hypothalamus and ventral prostate homogenates under different experimental conditions. The most remarkable finding was the isolation and identification of 3beta,5alpha-tetrahydrogestodene and 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydrogestodene as metabolic conversion products of gestodene, presumably with 5alpha-dihydrogestodene as intermediate. The overall results seem to indicate that the weak oestrogenic effects attributable to gestodene could be mediated by its tetrahydro metabolites.

The oestrogenic effects of gestodene, a potent contraceptive progestin, are mediated by its A-ring reduced metabolites

Gestodene (17 alpha-ethynyl-13 beta-ethyl-17 beta-hydroxy-4, 15-gonadien-3-one) is the most potent synthetic progestin currently available and it is widely used as a fertility regulating agent in a number of contraceptive formulations because of its high effectiveness, safety and acceptability. The observation that contraceptive synthetic progestins exert hormone-like effects other than their progestational activities, prompted us to investigate whether gestodene (GSD) administration may induce oestrogenic effects, even though the GSD molecule does not interact with intracellular oestrogen receptors (ER). To assess whether GSD may exert oestrogenic effects through some of its neutral metabolites, a series of experimental studies were undertaken using GSD and three of its A-ring reduced metabolites. Receptor binding studies by displacement analysis confirmed that indeed GSD does not bind to the ER, whereas its 3 beta,5 alpha-tetrahydro reduced derivative (3 beta GSD) interacts with a relative high affinity with the ER. The 3 alpha,5 alpha GSD isomer (3 alpha GSD) also binds to the ER, though to a lesser extent. The ability of the A-ring reduced GSD derivatives to induce oestrogenic actions was evaluated by the use of two different molecular bioassays: (a) transactivation of a yeast system co-transfected with the human ER alpha (hER alpha) gene and oestrogen responsive elements fused to the beta-galactosidase reporter vector and (b) transactivation of the hER alpha-mediated transcription of the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter gene in a HeLa cells expression system. The oestrogenic potency of 3 beta GSD was also assessed by its capability to induce oestrogen-dependent progestin receptors (PR) in the anterior pituitary of castrated female rats. The results demonstrated that 3 beta GSD and 3 alpha GSD were able to activate, in a dose-dependent manner, the hER alpha-mediated transcription of both the beta-galactosidase and the CAT reporter genes in the yeast and HeLa cells expression systems respectively. In both assays the 3 beta derivative of GSD exhibited a significantly greater oestrogenic effect than its 3 alpha isomer, while unchanged GSD and 5 alpha GSD were completely ineffective. Neither 3 beta GSD nor 3 alpha GSD exhibited oestrogen synergistic actions. Interestingly, the pure steroidal anti-oestrogen ICI-182,780 diminished the transactivation induced by 3 beta GSD and 3 alpha GSD in the yeast expression system. Furthermore, administration of 3 beta GSD resulted in a significant increase of oestrogen-dependent PR in the anterior pituitaries of castrated rats in comparison with vehicle-treated animals. The characteristics of the 3 beta GSD-induced PR were identical to those induced by oestradio benzoate. The overall results demonstrate that 3 beta GSD and its 3 alpha isomeric alcohol specifically bind to the ER and possess a weak intrinsic oestrogenic activity, whereas unmodified GSD does not. The data contribute to a better understanding of the GSD mechanism of action and allow the hypothesis to be advanced that the slight oestrogenlike effects attributable to GSD are mediated by its non-phenolic, tetrahydro reduced metabolites.

In vivo estrogen bioactivities and in vitro estrogen receptor binding and transcriptional activities of anticoagulant synthetic 17beta-aminoestrogens

Estrogenic activities of the two 17beta-aminoestrogen (AE) derivatives, prolame and butolame, were studied upon coagulation, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and uterine weight, including endometrial morphology in castrated female rats. We have also investigated the ability of these two compounds, as well as another AE pentolame, to activate transcription through the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and the estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta). Administration of prolame and butolame to castrated animals increased significantly (P < 0.01) the mean clotting time when compared with that obtained in the group of control animals. Butolame was a more potent anticoagulant than prolame (P < 0.01), as judged by their corresponding IC(50) (5.4 +/- 0.65 and 66.6 +/- 2.57 micro;g/animal, respectively). In contrast, estradiol significantly shortened blood clotting times (P < 0.005). Both prolame and butolame caused a significant inhibition of serum LH levels (EC(50) 8.10 +/- 0.79 and 17 +/- 64 microg/animal, respectively), and restored castration-induced reduction in uterine weight of ovariectomized rats (EC(50) 4.14 +/- 1.57 and 17.0 +/- 1.78 microg/animal, respectively). In terms of the effects of prolame, butolame and pentolame in transient transfection assays, all the three AE activated ER dependent reporter gene expression, however, only at high concentrations. Prolame had the highest activity followed by butolame and pentolame. Induction of transcription by these compounds was preferentially mediated through the ERalpha, especially in the case of pentolame where little, if any, activation occurred through the ERbeta. None of the compounds showed antagonistic activities through either ER subtype. The overall data suggest that modifications in the structure and length of the amino-alcohol side-chain at C-17 might have an impact on the affinity and estrogenic intrinsic properties of AE at the level of diverse target tissues.

The androgenic effect of norethisterone and 5alpha-norethisterone on the contractile response of the rat vas deferens to methoxamine and serotonin

Norethisterone (NET) and its metabolite 5alpha-norethisterone (5alpha-NET) are competitors for the androgen receptor. The sensitivity of the rat vas deferens to the contractile action of methoxamine and serotonin is regulated by hormonal and anatomical factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of NET and 5alpha-NET to induce the androgen-regulated contractile response to methoxamine and serotonin in the epididymal and prostatic portions of rat vas deferens. Adult male rats either intact, castrated or steroid-treated castrated were used. The contractility was recorded isometrically, and non-cumulative concentration-response curves to either methoxamine or serotonin were obtained. NET and 5alpha-NET partially restored the sensitivity to methoxamine and serotonin in the epididymal portion of castrated rats. The maximal responses to both agonists were significantly higher than those observed in castrated rats, and significantly lower than the responses observed in either intact or androgen-treated castrated rats. The prostatic portion was less responsive to both agonists than the epididymal portion, in all groups but castrated rats, as castration induced sensitivity to both agonists. NET and 5alpha-NET displayed a partial though similar androgenic activity in the rat vas deferens. These results contrast with previous reports where a decrease of androgenic effect due to the 5alpha-reduction of NET has been found.

Estrogenic effects of the synthetic aminoestrogen 17 beta-(5-hydroxy-1-pentylamino)-1,3,5(10)-estratrien-3-ol (pentolame)

In this study, we investigated the effects of pentolame, a 17 beta-aminoestrogen derivative, upon coagulation, serum LH, pituitary progestin receptors, uterine weight, and endometrium morphological changes in the castrated female rat. Groups of animals were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with either estradiol (E2) (0.1 up to 1000 micrograms/animal), pentolame (1 up to 1000 micrograms/animal), or the vehicle alone daily for 5 consecutive days starting 2 weeks following ovariectomy. Administration of pentolame (10 to 1000 micrograms/animal) increased significantly (p < 0.05) the blood clotting time when compared with that obtained in the group of control animals (EC50 582 micrograms). Pentolame (500 and 1000 micrograms/rat for 5 days) caused a significant inhibition (p < 0.01) of serum LH levels (IC50 860 micrograms), which remained suppressed until Day 5 post last injection. In addition, treatment with pentolame was able to restore in the castrated female rat the presence of specific estrogen-dependent progestin binding sites at the anterior pituitary level. The affinity constants and the number of binding sites of pentolame-induced progestin receptors were similar to those obtained with estradiol at equipotent doses (860 micrograms vs. 1 microgram/animal, respectively). Administration of the 17 beta-aminoestrogen derivative resulted in a significant increase in uterine weight (EC50 420 micrograms) and endometrial characteristics were indistinguishable from those observed in the group of rats treated with E2.

A-ring reduced derivatives of two synthetic progestins induce anxiolytic effects in ovariectomized rats

The putative anxiolytic action of the synthetic progestins, norethisterone (NET), levonorgestrel (LNG) and their respective 5 alpha-reduced metabolites, (5 alpha-NET), (3 alpha,5 alpha-NET), (3 beta,5 alpha-NET), (5 alpha-LNG), (3 alpha,5 alpha-LNG) and (3 beta,5 alpha-LNG), were studied in the burying behavior paradigm. From these compounds only 3 alpha,5 alpha-NET and 3 beta,5 alpha-LNG reduced burying behavior without modifying other parameters. Burying behavior latency was prolonged after administration of the highest dose (1.0 mg/rat) of NET and 5 alpha-NET. As a positive control 3 alpha,5 alpha-pregnanolone (allopregnanolone) was included at the same doses used for synthetic steroids. This steroid produced a clear dose-dependent reduction in burying behavior without affecting latency. No steroid with anxiolytic properties affected the general ambulatory behavior. All synthetic steroids with anxiolytic activity proved to be less potent than allopregnanolone. Results are discussed on the basis of the chemical structure requirements necessary to induce tranquilizing effects.

5alpha-reduction of norethisterone enhances its binding affinity for androgen receptors but diminishes its androgenic potency

Norethisterone (NET), a 19-nor synthetic progestin, undergoes enzyme-mediated 5alpha-reduction and exerts potent androgenic effects in target organs. To investigate its mode of androgenic action we examined, in a comparative manner, the in vitro metabolism of NET and testosterone (T), as well as the binding affinities to androgen receptors (AR) and the androgenic potency of NET, T, and their 5alpha-reduced derivatives. Bioconversion of [3H]-NET and [3H]-T was studied in rat prostate homogenates, AR binding affinity was assessed in rat ventral prostates using [3H]-mibolerone as the radioligand, and the androgenic potency was evaluated by the increase of beta-glucuronidase activity in the mouse kidney, and by the growth of accessory sex organs in castrated male rats. The results demonstrated that 5alpha-NET displayed a higher AR binding affinity but a significantly lower androgenic potency than unchanged NET. The bioconversion studies indicated that the metabolism of NET was similar to that of T, although to a lesser extent, thus ruling out the possibility that the synthetic progestin metabolizes rapidly into less active derivatives. To investigate the nature of the paradoxical effect of 5alpha-reduction upon the NET molecule, the interaction with AR and the androgenic potency of T, 19-nortestosterone (19norT), 17alpha-ethynyl testosterone (ET) and their 5alpha-reduced derivatives were examined. The results of AR binding studies revealed that 5alpha-reduction of T and ET significantly enhanced their affinities, and that the 5alpha-derivative of 19norT displayed a similar binding affinity to that exhibited by 19norT. In terms of biological activity, the results showed that 5alpha-reduction of T and 19norT significantly increased their androgenic potency, whereas 5alpha-reduction of ET resulted in a significant diminution of its androgenicity in a manner similar to that observed with the 5alpha-reduction of NET. When NET and 19norT were simultaneously administered with 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone they exhibited a potent synandrogenic activity, an effect that was cancelled by their 5alpha-reduction. Interestingly, ET displayed an antiandrogenic activity, an effect that was also suppressed by its 5alpha-reduction. The overall results demonstrated a distinctive, paradoxical effect of 5alpha-reduction upon the NET molecule, which was different from that seen in naturally occurring androgens, and which suggests that the presence of the 17alpha-ethynyl group plays a key role in this phenomenon. The data provided further evidence that the metabolism of synthetic contraceptive progestins modulates the expression of their hormone-like actions.

Molecular interactions of levonorgestrel and its 5 alpha-reduced derivative with androgen receptors in hamster flanking organs

The 5 alpha-reduction of levonorgestrel (LNG) as well as its binding capacity to the androgen receptors of the hamster flank organ were investigated. Furthermore, the effects of LNG and its 5 alpha-reduced metabolite in the flank organ test and on [U-14C]glucose incorporation into lipids by this tissue were determined. Homogenates from female hamster flank organs were incubated in the presence of [3H]LNG at pH 7.4. The radioactive 5 alpha-LNG metabolite was isolated and its purity was assessed. Competition experiments for androgen binding receptors were carried out with 1.38 nM [3H-7 alpha-17 alpha]dimethyl-19- nortestosterone (DMNT), Kd, plus a range of increasing concentrations of the different unlabeled steroid hormones. The flank organ test was performed in vivo, and [U-14C]glucose incorporation into lipids was determined under organ culture conditions. The 5 alpha-LNG had the same binding capacity to androgen receptors (AR) as LNG in male flank organs. The flank organ test demonstrated that 5 alpha-LNG activity was similar to that observed for levonorgestrel and testosterone (T) on gonadectomized male hamster flank organs. Topical applications of LNG or 5 alpha-LNG increased [U-14C]glucose incorporation into lipids in a way similar to that of T. The overall data indicate that LNG and 5 alpha-LNG produced androgenic activity in the lipid pathway of male flank organs, and that 5 alpha-reduction is not essential for the LNG effect on this tissue.

Mechanisms regulating male sexual behavior in the rat: role of 3 alpha- and 3 beta-androstanediols

To assess whether naturally occurring 5 alpha-androstanediols (5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol and 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 17 beta-diol) play a role in the regulation of male sexual behavior in the rat, their capability to restore copulatory behavior in castrated animals was evaluated. Androstanediols were chronically administered either alone or in combination with 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or with estradiol-17 beta (E2). Animals treated with testosterone (T), DHT, E2, and vehicle, either alone or in different combinations, served as controls. The occurrence of mounting, intromission, and ejaculation as well as detailed parameters of copulatory behavior were recorded twice per week for 3 weeks. At the end of treatments, the weights of sex accessory organs were also recorded. When 3 beta, 5 alpha-androstanediol (3 beta-diol; 500 micrograms/day) was administered in combination with DHT (300 micrograms/day), full copulatory behavior was restored in all subjects in a manner similar to that obtained with E2 plus DHT or T plus DHT combinations, thus indicating an estrogen-like behavioral effect of 3 beta-diol. Administration of 3 alpha, 5 alpha-androstanediol (3 alpha-diol; 500 micrograms/day) combined with DHT also restored sexual behavior, though to a lesser extent. When 3 alpha-diol (500 micrograms/day) was simultaneously administered with E2 (5 micrograms/day), the copulatory behavior of castrated animals was fully restored in a fashion similar to that observed after administration of DHT plus E2 and T plus E2 combinations, indicating a potent androgen-like effect of 3 alpha-diol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Induction of male sexual behavior in the rat by 7 alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone, an androgen that does not undergo 5 alpha-reduction

The synthetic steroid 7 alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT) binds with high affinity to the androgen receptor and exerts biological effects at some peripheral target tissues with a potency greater than that of naturally occurring androgens. In vivo, MENT does not undergo enzymatic 5 alpha-reduction and as a consequence, its biologic action on prostate and other organs of the male reproductive tract is not amplified as is that of testosterone (T). Thus, in castrated rats, a dose of MENT that will maintain normal muscle mass and gonadotropin levels will not maintain normal prostate and seminal vesicle weights. To investigate the ability of MENT to restore male sexual behavior in castrated rats, varying doses of MENT acetate were administered for 4 wk by use of s.c. mini-osmotic pumps. Animals treated with T acetate (200 micrograms/day) and nontreated intact animals served as positive controls, while a group of animals receiving vehicle alone were the negative controls. Steroid acetates are rapidly converted to T and MENT in blood. Appropriate steroid delivery was assessed by measurement of serum androgen concentrations. Male behavioral parameters were recorded twice per week. At the end of treatment, the weights of sex accessory organs were also recorded. The administration of MENT acetate at daily doses of 100 micrograms and 10 micrograms induced full copulatory behavior in a manner similar to that observed with doses of 200 micrograms T acetate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mechanisms of hormonal and antihormonal action of contraceptive progestins at the molecular level

19-Nor synthetic progestins undergo extensive metabolism at the target cells. The resulting metabolic conversion products interact with putative steroid receptors within the cells, and through those interactions, they may exert either agonistic, synergistic and antagonistic hormonal effects. Studies conducted in our laboratories have disclosed that norethisterone (NET) and D-(1) norgestrel (LNG), two widely used contraceptive progestins, are biotransformed to several A-ring reduced (dihydro and tetrahydro) derivatives. The resulting metabolites 5 alpha-dihydro NET (5 alpha-NET) and 5 alpha-dihydro LNG bind with relative high affinity to the progesterone and androgen receptors. To gain insight into the underlying molecular events mediating the mode of action of NET and its neutral metabolites, we have examined the expression of their biological effects at target organs by using the rabbit uteroglobin gene model and the beta-glucuronidase activity of the mouse kidney. The results of a series of experiments seem to indicate that the enzyme-mediated formation of the 5 alpha (trans A/B ring junction) NET derivative results in a significant diminution of its progestational and androgenic potencies. Furthermore, 5 alpha-NET acquire a potent anti-progestational/contragestational effect as assessed in the female rabbit. These results demonstrated that 5 alpha-reduction of 19-nor progestins exerts a paradoxical effect, at least in terms of their hormone-like effects. The overall data are in line with the concept that metabolism of synthetic progestins at hormone-sensitive organs modulates their mechanisms of action.

Mechanism of action of levonorgestrel: in vitro metabolism and specific interactions with steroid receptors in target organs

Levonorgestrel (LNG) is a synthetic steroid that displays potent progestational and androgenic effects but it lacks estrogen-like activity. To examine the mode of action of this progestin, we studied its metabolism in vitro in target organs and the specific interactions of LNG and its metabolites with putative steroid receptors. The results demonstrated that [3H]LNG was efficiently converted to A-ring reduced derivatives when incubated with rat hypothalamus and pituitary. Under optimal incubation conditions, [3H]5 alpha-dihydro LNG (5 alpha-LNG) and [3H]3 alpha,5 alpha-tetrahydro LNG (3 alpha,5 alpha-LNG) were identified as the major metabolic conversion products, while [3H]3 beta,5 alpha-LNG formation occurred to a lesser extent. A-ring reduction of LNG was NADPH-dependent. Assessment of the relative binding affinities of LNG and its derivatives to progesterone (PR), androgen (AR) and estrogen (ER) receptors by displacement analysis revealed that unchanged LNG binds with high affinity to PR and AR but not to ER. 5 alpha-LNG exhibited a diminished though significant interaction with PR and an enhanced binding affinity for AR as compared with LNG, indicating that 5 alpha-reduction of LNG increases its affinity for AR. The most striking finding was that further reduction of the 5 alpha-LNG molecule at C-3 abolished its binding activity to PR, AR, and even to ER. The overall data provides a plausible explanation for the lack of estrogen agonistic action of LNG and for its potent progestational and androgenic effects.

Induction of male sexual behavior by norethisterone: role of its A-ring reduced metabolites

The estrogenic and androgenic potencies of norethisterone (NET), a synthetic nonaromatizable progestin, and three of its reduced metabolites (5 alpha-NET; 3 alpha, 5 alpha-NET; 3 beta, 5 alpha-NET) were assessed by their ability to restore male sexual behavior in castrated male rats following their chronic administration in combination with either 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or estradiol (E2), or when given alone. Full restoration of mating was achieved when 3 beta, 5 alpha-NET was administered with DHT, indicating an estrogenic effect of this compound. Lower estrogenic effects were noticed with 3 alpha, 5 alpha-NET and 5 alpha-NET, while NET had very little estrogenic potency. The only effective compound to restore ejaculation, when administered with E2, was NET, indicating its androgen-like intrinsic potency. When administered alone, NET exerted the most potent effect on male behavior, followed by 5 alpha-NET, while the tetrahydro derivatives were ineffective. The observation that NET alone restored male sexual activity at a level identical to that induced by testosterone demonstrated an androgenic-estrogenic activity of this progestin exerted through its intrinsic androgenic effect, and the estrogenic effect of its tetrahydro derivatives. Overall results indicated that the metabolism of NET modulates its mode of action at the brain, and support the concept that both estrogenic and androgenic effects are required for mating activation.