Further report on the endocrinological profile of 17 alpha-cyanomethyl-17 beta-hydroxy-estra-4,9(10)-diene-3-one (STS 557) in rodents.

STS 557, a new orally active progestin with antifertility properties has been tested for uterotrophic, antiuterotrophic, vaginotrophic, and antiovulatory effects. Further, maintenance of pregnancy in ovariectomized mice, influence on pregnancy in mice and rats, and conditioning of the immature rat uterus for decidual response were investigated. Both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activities in mice and rats were found to be very low. STS 557 fails to maintain pregnancy in ovariectomized animals but does not interfere with pregnancy in intact mice if implantation already took place. Moreover, no effects have been found regarding the influence on the first ovulation in prepuberal rats. The biological profile of STS 557 in animals seems to make this compound suitable for use as a post-coital contraceptive.