[An analysis of 220 cases of pregnancy termination and induced menstruation by alcoholic extract of Wikstroemia Chamaedaphne]

The influence of naproxen (a typical prostaglandin [PG] synthetase inhibitor) and arachidonic acid (AA) on the isolated uterus in estrus cycle (day 14) in guinea pigs was investigated. The results show that AA could increase the contractions of the uterus. Naproxen could inhibit the contractility caused by AA. The potency of inhibition was dose-dependent. The inhibition of tonus was quite obvious. The animal model is considered the suitable one for investigating the effect of PG synthetase inhibitor on myometrium.

Value of subcutaneous fat in predicting ovulation day

Subcutaneous body fat and Quetelet's Indices (QI) of 52, 18-29 year old normal female volunteers were determined. These body mass indices were then grouped according to the phase of each subject's menstrual cycle, early or late follicular and early or late luteal phase. The subcutaneous body fat is 27.07 +or- 1.0% in the early follicular but drops to 24.68 +or- 1.84% in the late follicular phase. The value then rises significantly higher than that in the late follicular phase to 30.14 +or- 1.15% (P0.02) in the early luteal drops to 27.17 +or- 0.55% towards the level of the early follicular phase (P0.05). Variations in the values of QI during each menstrual cycle exactly mirror those for subcutaneous body fat. The fall in the 2 body mass indices during the late follicular phase coincides somewhat with the established preovulatory LH and FSH surges as well as the high levels of estrogen of this period. On the other hand the significant rise in the 2 parameters during the early luteal phase coincides with the marked rise in the ratio of progesterone to estrogen. Clearly, increased levels of progesterone relative to estrogen appear to cause an increase in the body fat during each menstrual cycle. The implication of this finding for women on contraceptive pills which are predominantly progesterone and those whose normal menstrual cycle is "interrupted" at the early luteal phase by a successful fertilization raises very interesting questions with regards to prediction of ovulation.

[[Analysis of multiple birth rates in Japan]]

The author analyzes multiple birth rates in Japan based on data from published vital statistics for the years 1951-1968 and from computer files for 1974-1985. "The higher multiple birth rate since 1974 was attributed to the higher proportion of mothers treated with ovulation-inducing hormones in Japan." (SUMMARY IN ENG)

Order on the possession, distribution, dispensing, and administration of the pharmaceutical specialty Mifegyne 200 mg. in tablet form, 28 December 1988

This French Order has been made having regard to an Order of 22 November 1988 inserting Mifepristone (RU 486) in division II of Schedule A of the Poisons Schedules. The following are among the principal provisions. Division I sets out duties of the manufacturer and wholesale distributors of the pharmaceutical specialty Mifegyne 200 mg in tablet form (Sections 1-5). Under Section 2, pharmaceutical establishments manufacturing or distributing this specialty must keep it in locked cupboards or premises. Under Section 3, every purchase or transfer by a wholesale pharmaceutical establishment, even without charge, must be recorded in a special register, following the procedures indicated. Requirements as to reporting are laid down in Section 4. The register referred to in Section 3 must be retained for 10 years. Division II covers the purchase of the pharmaceutical specialty Mifegyne 200 mg, in tablet form, by establishments performing voluntary terminations of pregnancy, and the dispensing and administration of this specialty (Sections 6-16). Detailed provisions are laid down concerning the procedures to be followed in purchasing, dispensing, etc. the specialty. In particular, a special numbered booklet is to be kept, containing a series of vouchers. The procedures for completing such vouchers and the conditions for their retention are indicated. Under Section 13, pharmacists may supply the specialty only to physicians entitled to prescribe it (and with their names and signatures filed with the pharmacist) or to the person in charge of a department in which voluntary terminations of pregnancy are performed. Section 14 lays down that only physicians performing such terminations are authorized to prescribe and administer this specialty. It is laid down in Section 15 that the pharmacist is to undertake, in the presence of the director of the establishment, a monthly inspection of the cupboard within the department where the specialty is kept.

Approval of RU-486, 18 September 1988

On 18 September, 1988, the Chinese Government approved the marketing of RU-486, a drug that induces abortion early in pregnancy.