10-Nor-Progesterone, a Physiologically Active Lower Homolog of Progesterone

Abstract

10-nor-progesterone was prepared from strophanthin. The end-product was a resinous mixture of stereo-isomers. Its u.-v. absorption spectrum had the character of an a, [beta]-unsaturated ketone. Its activity was tested in sexually mature rabbits which were mated and castrated 18 hrs. later. The compd. was fully as active as progesterone in causing full endometrial proliferation of blastocysts. Replacement of the angular methyl group at C10 with H2 did not impair physiologic activity.