34 & 35 Pharmacology of Reproductive Hormones Flashcards
Name the 3 forms of estrogens and how they are formed.
- Estradiol
- Estrone
- Estriol
Estradiol: from testosterone, or by conversion of esterone to estradiol
Estrone: from androstenedione, or by conversion of estradiol to estrone
Estriol: by conversion of estrone to estriol
What cells are involved in the synthesis of estradiol?
At which organ is it converted to estrone and estriol?
Granulosa cells;
liver
Where can estrone and estriol be found in the body respectively?
Estrone: placenta, adipose tissue
Estriol: placenta
Name the 4 synthetic estrogens. What type of synthetic estrogen do they belong to?
- Steroidal:
- Mestranol
- Ethinyl estradiol - Non-steroidal
- diethylstilbestrol
- chlorotrianisene
Where can ER-alpha estrogen receptors be found?
A. Mammary glands B. Ovaries C. Vagina D. Hypothalamus E. Pituitary gland F. Uterus G. Placenta H. Vascular smooth muslces I. Endothelial cells
All except E and G
There are more ER-beta in ovaries and prostates compared to other organs .
T/F?
True
How does progesterone and prolactin affect the ER (estrogen receptor) expression in reproductive tract respectively?
Progesterone: decreases the expression
Prolactin: increases ER numbers in mammary gland but NOT in the uterus
Which of the following option(s) is false concerning the pharmacokinetics of natural estrogens?
A. It can be administered through I.M. injection that produces a sustained release of estrogen
B. It can be administered by I.V. injection
C. It can be administered orally by the form of micronized/conjugated estrogens
D. They are rapidly metabolized in the liver by conjugation
E. There variable amount of enterohepatic cycling
F. They will eventually be excreted in urine only
G. > 97% bound to plasma albumin
H. It can be administered through transdermal patches/ vaginal cream
B
F: also in bile
G: >97% bound to sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
Other than natural estrogens, what form(s) of steroidal estrogen can be used pharmacologically?
Which of the following is true about it?
A. It is metabolized by CYP450 and conjugated by glucoronidation/ sulphation
B. >99% bound to plasma albumin
C. 50% bioavailability
D. They are rapidly and completely absorbed orally
Mestranol and ethinyl estradiol
All are correct except B: should be >95% bound to plasma albumin
- Mestranol undergoes rapid hepatic demethylation to ethinyl estradiol for activities
Which of the following about progestogens are correct?
A. They are bound to SHBG but not transcortin and albumin
B. They are orally inactive due to rapid metabolism in liver
C. They are excreted in urine after conjugation
B and C only
A: They are bound to transcortin and albumin but not to SHBG
Which of the following is true about the mechanism of action of progestogens?
A. They have one kind of receptor
B. Presence of adequate receptors requires estrogen priming
C. They act on female reproductive tract, mammary gland, CNS and pituitary
B and C only
A: PR-A and PR-B receptors
What are the respective fucntions of PR-A and PR-B?
PR-A: acts s a transcriptional inhibitor of other steroid receptors
PR-B: mediates the stimulatory activities
Which 2 kinds of derivatives are used as progestogens?
When are they used?
- Progesterone derivatives
- Testosterone derivatives
Progesterone derivatives are used when a selective progestational effect is desired.
It is used in conjunction with estrogens for menopausal hormone replacement therapy.
Testosterone is used in oral contraceptives, with varying degrees of androgenic, estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities.
Which of the following is false?
A. Norethisterone and norethynodrel are less selective than progesterone esters
B. Gestodene and norgestimate are orally active with 1-3 days duration
C. Levonorgestrol has higher androgenic activity than norethisterone
C is false.
They have lower androgenic activity compared to norethisterone, norethynodrel and ethynodiol (19-Nor testosterone derivatives)
A is correct: they are 19-nor testosterone derivatives
B is correct: they are levonorgestrel (testosterone derivatives)
What are the main ingredients of a combined oral contraceptive pill? (COCP)
- estrogen
- ethinyl estradiol (mestranol)
- Progestogen (lowest conc.): levonorgestrel, norethisterone; gestogene, desogestrel, norgestimate