The Influence of an Anti-Steroidogenic Drug (Aminoglutethimide Phosphate) on Pregnancy Maintenance1

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Abstract
Aminoglutethimide phosphate (AGP) blocks the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone in steroidogenic tissue. Administration of this drug to pregnant animals should interfere with pregnenolone synthesis in the corpus luteum and reduce plasma progesterone (P) to levels insufficient to permit pregnancy to be established or maintained. A single ip dose of AGP (ISO mg/kg) caused abortion in only 25% of treated animals although plasma P was depressed 80% in 30 min. Recovery was slow but steady; return to normal plasma P values occurred by 48 hr. Lower doses (SO, 100 mg/kg) were ineffective and there were no abnormalities in surviving fetuses. Continued suppression of plasma P was achieved by increasing the dose. AGP, 100 and 150 mg/kg × 3, caused abortion in 100% of treated animals in 72 hr. Concomitant injection of 5 mg P/day to AGP-treated animals (intact or castrate) prevented pregnancy wastage but 5β-dihydro P, LH, HCG, Prolactin and F did not protect against AGP. Thus, AGP administered at proper dose, time and schedule is an effective episodic, non-steroidal abortifacient. It is not embryotoxic but acts by inhibiting steroid production in the corpus luteum and reducing plasma P to levels that will not maintain pregnancy. (Endocrinology90: 1363, 1972)

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