Description
Progesterone is an endogenous steroid hormone that activates progesterone receptors (PRs) and inhibits mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and σ1/2 receptors. Progesterone exhibits neuroprotective activity, inducing myelin sheath formation and supporting neurotransmission. Progesterone also plays a significant role in reproduction and mammary gland development. Clinically, this compound is used to prevent preterm birth and is occasionally used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
References
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da Fonseca EB, Bittar RE, Carvalho MH, et al. Prophylactic administration of progesterone by vaginal suppository to reduce the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth in women at increased risk: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Feb;188(2):419-24. PMID: 12592250.
Baulieu E, Schumacher M. Progesterone as a neuroactive neurosteroid, with special reference to the effect of progesterone on myelination. Steroids. 2000 Oct-Nov;65(10-11):605-12. PMID: 11108866.
Rupprecht R, Reul JM, van Steensel B, et al. Pharmacological and functional characterization of human mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor ligands. Eur J Pharmacol. 1993 Oct 15;247(2):145-54. PMID: 8282004.
