[Pharmacological mechanism of action and development of anti-steroid hormones]

Antisteroid hormones including inhibitors of synthesis and receptor antagonists are reviewed for their mechanism of action and development. Receptor antagonists of steroid hormones so far possess some affinity to a specific hormone receptor as well as to other receptors, and highly specific antagonists are under development. Majority of sex hormone antagonists has been developed as anticancer drugs for such as breast (tamoxifen ) or prostate (flutamide) cancers. Antimineral corticoids has been developed as diuretics, and further development is under way for seeking more potent drugs than spironolactone. Antisteroid hormones have to meet with the potent feed back regulation of central system when used in vivo. Development of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs is another way to suppress steroid hormones.