[Effects of progesterone and nomegestrol acetate on the endometrial epithelium of the rabbit. A study with scanning electron microscopy].

Immature female rabbits were tested by the Clauberg-MacPhail technique using progesterone (P), or nomegestrol acetate (NOM), a 19-norprogesterone derivative. The endometrial surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Estrogen priming followed by treatment with P induced changes on the endometrial surface which were very close to those observed in menopausal women under sequential estroprogestative therapy. After treatment with NOM the aspect of endometrium surface was very close to those observed after treatment with P. This is in accordance with the pharmacological profile of the product. Scanning electron microscopy confirms the previsional value of Clauberg-MacPhail's test and provides useful complementary information for the pharmacological understanding of a new synthetic progestogen.