Structure-Function Relationships of Various Steroids Relative to Induction of a Specific Oviduct Protein (Avidin)

Abstract

Progesterone induces the synthesis of the specific protein avidin in the oviducts of chicks which have received prior estrogenic stimulation. This system permits the examination of structure-function relationships of various steroids relative to their capacity to induce synthesis of a specific physiological protein. No absolute structural requirements could be elucidated, but activity in this system correlated best with the progestational potency of the steroids tested. The marked ability of the nonprogesta-tional, antiestrogenic compound, allopregnane-21-ol-3,20-dione, to stimulate avidin synthesis and the known antiestrogenic activity of potent progestins would allow for the possibility that induction capacity may best parallel antiestrogenic potency.