INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF SEXUAL STEROIDAL HORMONES ON RESPONSES OF ISOLATED GUINEA-PIG LLEUM TO ACETYLCHOLINE AND HISTAMINE

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 227  (2) , 233-237
Abstract
Six sexual steroidal hormones (progesterone, pregnenolone, testosterone, ethinyl-estradiol, estriol and estrone) inhibited acetylcholine- and histamine-induced contractions of the isolated guinea-pig ileum. Different degrees of inhibitory capacity were found. High concentrations of PG[prostaglandin]E1 and F2.alpha. reversed some of these inhibitions. This reversal was non-specific and probably related to sensitization of the ileal smooth muscle by prostaglandins. The inhibitory action of sexual steroids might be non-specific as well, but a corticoid-like effect cannot be excluded.