Description
17-α-ethynylestradiol is a synthetic estrogen receptor (ER) agonist clinically used in contraceptive medications. In pregnant rats, 17-α-ethynylestradiol decreases platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase activity, inducing premature birth. 17-α-ethynylestradiol also displays weak antioxidative activity in lipid peroxidation assays in liver microsomes. Both acute and chronic exposure of wildlife (particularly fish) to 17-α-ethynylestradiol leads to feminization of males (through the induction of vitellogenin production), inhibiting fertility.
References
Kidd KA, Blanchfield PJ, Mills KH, et al. Collapse of a fish population after exposure to a synthetic estrogen. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 May 22;104(21):8897-901. PMID: 17517636.
Schultz IR, Skillman A, Nicolas JM, et al. Short-term exposure to 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol decreases the fertility of sexually maturing male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Environ Toxicol Chem. 2003 Jun;22(6):1272-80. PMID: 12785584.
Yasuda K, Furukawa M, Johnston JM. Effect of estrogens on plasma platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase and the timing of parturition in the rat. Biol Reprod. 1996 Jan;54(1):224-9. PMID: 8838020.
Lacort M, Leal AM, Liza M, et al. Protective effect of estrogens and catecholestrogens against peroxidative membrane damage in vitro. Lipids. 1995 Feb;30(2):141-6. PMID: 7769970.
