Role of catecholamines in the central and peripheral actions of steroidal contraceptives.

The role of catecholamines in the mechanism of antiovulatory and other effects of steroidal contraceptive drugs has been studied in adult, healthy, nonpregnant female rats. It has been observed that oral administration of steroidal contraceptive pills (Lyndiol or Ovulen) daily for 14 days significantly reduced brain noradrenaline levels. This reduction in brain noradrenaline levels by these agents may be responsible for their antiovulatory and other central effects such as depression. The steroidal contraceptives were also found to significantly decrease the adrenaline content of adrenal glands without affecting the catecholamines content of heart and uterus. The significance of these findings in relation to cardiovascular and uterine complications of steroidal contraceptive drugs cannot be stated.