[Effects of RU38486, an antiprogesterone agent, on endometrium, fertilized ovum and serum sex steroid levels in rats].

Effects of antiprogesterone RU38486 were studied in rats. The synthetic compound effectively (100%) inhibited implantation when administered on day 2 as well as on day 4 postconception (2.5mg/kg, in glycerol). This treatment, however, did not alter circulating estradiol and progesterone levels. Fertilized ovum yielded on day 4 from the uterine cavity showed normal morphology including adequate progress in cell division. A light microscopic study of the endometrium showed decreased cytoplasmic vacuole formation but estrogenic effects were apparently preserved. These data suggest that administration of RU38486 immediately after conception could successfully prevent implantation without altering early luteotropic functions in rats. Also the high dose of the compound was found to have no significant toxic effects on fertilized ovum, indicating that the anticonceptional action of RU38486 mainly functions at the uterine endometrial level.