프로게스테론

개요Progesterone, along with pregnenolone, is the biosynthetic precursor of all other steroid hormones. Progesterone is synthesized from cholesterol by the sequential action of desmolase in the mitochondria, which produces pregnenolone, followed by Δ4,5-isomerase in the outer mitochondrial membrane and smooth endoplasmic reticulum of steroid-secreting cells. Progesterone activates the human progesterone receptor with an EC50 value of 0.5 nM.

출처Colchicum luteum also yields this alkaloid.

일반 설명Progesterone, pregn-4-en-3,20-dione, is so rapidly metabolized that it is not particularlyeffective orally, being only one twelfth as active as intramuscularly.An oral formulation of micronized progesterone(Prometrium) is available. Progesterone given intramuscularlycan be very irritating. A vaginal gel containing 4% or8% progesterone offers an alternative dosage form.Progesterone was originally obtained from animal ovariesbut is now prepared synthetically from plant sterol precursors.The discovery of 19-nortestosterones with progesteroneactivity made synthetically modified progestins of tremendoustherapeutic importance.Progesterone (and all other steroid 4-ene-3-ones) is lightsensitive and should be protected from light.