title: Inhibition of human placental progesterone synthesis by danazol in vivo.
abstract: In vivo, a single dose of 1000 mg danazol was given orally to pregnant volunteers (n = 8) prior to a therapeutic abortion (8th-12th week of gestation). Changes in serum progesterone and estradiol were evaluated both by analysis of percentage values related to initial concentrations or statistically by a Kruskal-Wallis test comparing absolute steroid concentrations. Following treatment (n = 8), a significant decrease in mean plasma progesterone of about 20% was observed within 2-4 hours; progesterone levels varied between 80-120% during 24 hours in controls (n = 10); individual serum estradiol decreased up to 30% of control values 2 hours after danazol application. Changes in estradiol in controls versus tests were not statistically significant (p less than 0.05) when absolute estradiol concentrations were compared. Only a slight (10-20%) decrease in mean serum DHAS was found between 2 to 6 hours following danazol treatment. This study demonstrates the inhibitory activity of danazol on the human maternal and fetal steroidogenesis in vivo. The possible sites of action of danazol are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000032:Abortion, Therapeutic; D003613:Danazol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D004958:Estradiol / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D011245:Pregnadienes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D011245:Pregnadienes; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D003613:Danazol