Description
Medroxyprogesterone 17-acetate (MPA) is a synthetic steroid that activates progesterone, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptors. MPA exhibits contraceptive and anticancer activities and is also used in hormone replacement therapy, endometriosis, and dysmenorrhea. MPA decreases levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and other hormones; it also inhibits 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This compound is used clinically to treat breast cancer and inhibits the proliferation and growth of breast cancer cells and tumors in various models.
References
Schindler AE, Campagnoli C, Druckmann R, et al. Classification and pharmacology of progestins. Maturitas. 2008 Sep-Oct;61(1-2):171-80. PMID: 19434889.
Meyer L, Venard C, Schaeffer V, et al. The biological activity of 3alpha-hydroxysteroid oxido-reductase in the spinal cord regulates thermal and mechanical pain thresholds after sciatic nerve injury. Neurobiol Dis. 2008 Apr;30(1):30-41. PMID: 18291663.
Poulin R, Baker D, Poirier D, et al. Androgen and glucocorticoid receptor-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation by medroxyprogesterone acetate in ZR-75-1 human breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 1989 Mar;13(2):161-72. PMID: 2525057.
