EFFECT OF TWO PROGESTINS ON HUMAN ENDOMETRIAL ENZYMES AND TRACE ELEMENTS

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Abstract
Seven healthy normally menstruating women were treated with 50 μg ethinyl oestradiol from day 4 to day 12 of the menstrual cycle (control cycle). In another two cycles either 2.5 mg norethisterone2) or 4 mg megestrol acetate3) was added on days 11 and 12. In all 3 cycles an endometrial biopsy was taken on day 13. Extractable protein, DNA, eight enzymes and five trace elements were determined in the endometrial specimens. Part of every biopsy was evaluated histologically. Addition of megestrol acetate for 2 days to ethinyl oestradiol caused a significant increase in endometrial isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activities. Norethisterone induced similar changes. Neither of the two progestins caused any significant changes in the endometrial content of Cu, Zn, Mn, Na or K. Norethisterone induced early or clear signs of secretory activity in the endometrium of four subjects out of seven. For megestrol acetate this ratio was five out of seven. It is suggested that changes in the activity of some endometrial enzymes, especially of ICDH, can be used for an early detection of progestational effect of compounds on the endometrium; these changes may be more sensitive than the morphological evaluation.

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