Intrinsic estrogenicity of some progestagenic drugs

The intrinsic estrogenic activity of some progestins cannot be properly evaluated by using hormone responsive systems when the chosen end-points are also sensitive to progestagenic activity, usually antagonistic of estrogenic actions. We have therefore applied to the evaluation of some drugs commonly used in contraceptive and hormone replacement formulations a recently developed in vitro method to estimate estrogenic activities, which is based on measurements of the estrogen-stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity in cells of the Ishikawa-Var I human endometrial adenocarcinoma line, a response not influenced by progestins. Whereas progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate and danazol were found to be devoid of estrogenic activity in this assay, Org OD-14, norethynodrel, gestrinone (R 2323), norethindrone and dl-norgestrel provoked half maximal increases in alkaline phosphatase activity at concentrations (EC-50) of 7, 14, 140, 200 and 2900 nM, respectively, under conditions in which the corresponding value for estradiol was 8 pM. This intrinsic estrogenic activity can be inhibited by antiestrogens, as verified by reversing the effect of R 2323 with 4-hydroxytamoxifen. Since prostaglandin F2 alpha output by secretory endometrium is increased by estrogens and diminished by progestins, this end-point can serve to evaluate the net effect of drugs with intrinsic estrogenic and progestagenic activities. For instance, R 2323 showed estrogenic activity in this assay whereas Org OD-14 did not. The same in vitro system can be used to evaluate estrogen antagonistic activities of test compounds, using estradiol as the agonist. These in vitro systems are useful in establishing a profile of activities of a drug on a relevant human target tissue, in the screening of synthetic or natural compounds under investigation, and in studies on structure/action relationships.