Anti-fertility drugs: novel non-hormonal compounds that inhibit prostaglandin metabolism

PREGNANCY has been terminated in animals and/or humans by oestrogens 1–3 , androgens 4,5 , anti-oestrogens 6,7 prostaglandins 8–10 , and various non-steroidal non-hormonal agents 6–11 . The mechanism of action of these agents has not been defined and effectiveness varies with the species. Elevated levels of endogenous prostaglandins (PGs) may be associated with toxaemia of pregnancy and habitual abortion 12 . PG may also alter foetal and placental blood flow 13,14 . A compound that inhibits PG metabolism—thereby elevating PG levels—could possibly interrupt pregnancy. This report describes a new class of non-hormonal compounds, which are 100% effective as anti-fertility agents in several species of animals, and also outlines studies on the effect of these compounds on PG synthesis and metabolism in rat placenta.