Synergistic effects of antiprogestins and iNOS or aromatase inhibitors on establishment and maintenance of pregnancy

Steroids. 2003 Nov;68(10-13):1077-84. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2003.09.002.

Abstract

Progesterone is known to be involved in many steps in female reproduction including control of implantation and uterine-cervical function during pregnancy. Our studies in rats and guinea pigs indicate that progesterone inhibits uterine contractility and cervical softening during pregnancy. Progesterone levels or actions decline near the end of pregnancy leading to the onset of labor. Treatment with progestin agonists prolongs pregnancy and inhibits cervical softening, whereas treatment with antiprogestins (mifepristone or onapristone) stimulates uterine contractility, cervical softening and premature delivery. Thus the effect of progesterone receptor modulators in the uterus and cervix depend up on the degree of intrinsic agonistic/antagonistic activities. Our recent studies show that progesterone interacts with nitric oxide (NO) to maintain pregnancy and that administration of progesterone antagonists with NO synthase inhibitors act synergistically to stimulate labor. In addition our studies show that combinations of progesterone antagonists with aromatase inhibitors act synergistically to induce labor. Similarly antiprogestins interact with NO synthase or aromatase inhibitors to block implantation through action on the endometrium. These studies suggest new applications for combined therapies of progestin receptor modulators with aromatase inhibitors or agents that modify NO production for contraception, stimulation of labor, estrogen-dependent diseases and improved outcomes in pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aromatase Inhibitors*
  • Embryo Implantation / drug effects*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Estrogens / metabolism
  • Female
  • Hormone Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Letrozole
  • Mifepristone / pharmacology
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
  • Nitriles / pharmacology
  • Pregnancy
  • Progestins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Rats
  • Time Factors
  • Triazoles / pharmacology

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Estrogens
  • Hormone Antagonists
  • Nitriles
  • Progestins
  • Triazoles
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Mifepristone
  • Letrozole
  • NOS2 protein, human
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
  • Nos2 protein, rat
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester