Observations on the effects of 17-alpha-pregn-4-en-20-yno-(2,3-d) isoxazol-17-ol(Danazol) on the female reproductive tract and pituitary gonadotrophs of gerbil (Meriones hurrianae).

Danazol caused leukolysis in adult female gerbils. It brings about suppression of ovarian weight, presumably by inhibiting gonadotrophin secretion from the pituitary gland. Uterotrophic action of Danazol is confirmed in ovariectomized animals. Danazol counteracted the uterotrophic effect of an exogenous oestrogen. Vaginal smears of Danazol-treated animals retained a dioestrous leukocytic pattern indicating the absence of follicular activity. Decreased RNA synthesis in the uterus indicates the possibility that Danazol is anti-oestrogenic. Castration-like changes were noticed in the anterior lobe of the hypophysis after Danazol administration.