Inhibitory Effects of Aminopterin on Decidual Development

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Abstract
Aminopterin, a potent folic acid antagonist, is extremely effective in inhibiting decidual development in intact and progesterone-treated ovariectomized, pseudopregnant rats. A daily dose of 15 to 40[mu]g. produces 50 to 100% inhibition of deciduomata under both conditions. Increased doses of progesterone or folic acid effect only partial reversal of the inhibition, but when the citrovorum factor (leucovorin) and antagonist are administered in a 1:1 ratio the inhibition of decidual development is completely abolished. Such inhibition by aminopterin seems due to a specific action and not to toxicity. These data indicate that folic acid is necessary for decidual development.