Concentration-dependent mechanisms of ovulation inhibition by the progestin ST-1435

We summarize the hormonal profiles of women at different stages of inhibition of ovarian function during sustained-release subcutaneous treatment with a progestin, ST-1435. In the highest release group of ST-1435, a decrease in the luteinizing hormone (LH)follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio was found; and in spite of follicular phase levels of plasma FSH, inhibition of folliculogenesis, as judged by plasma estradiol (E2) concentrations below 60 pg/ml, occurred during the entire treatment period of 230 days. This may be indicative of a direct action of ST-1435 on the ovaries. When the average plasma concentration of ST-1435 decreased below 100 pg/ml, follicle development had started in most of the study subjects. At that time, the LH/FSH ratio had normalized to that found during the follicular phase of the normal menstrual cycle. In spite of the E2 rise during follicular development, no midcycle gonadotropin surges or subsequent elevations in plasma progesterone concentrations were found, thus indicating that the positive feedback action of E2 on gonadotropins was blocked by this progestin. We infer that the mechanism of inhibition of ovulation by sustained parenteral treatment with the progestin ST-1435 is concentration dependent, in such a manner that lower plasma concentrations of ST-1435 act on the hypothalamus and/or pituitary, whereas at higher plasma concentrations of ST-1435, a direct effect on the ovaries is also achieved.