Uterotrophic activity of various phenolic steroids

The uterotrophic activity of certain steroids including 3- and/or 17-deoxy derivatives of oestrone and 17β-oestradiol and selected alkyl derivatives was determined in a three-day immature mouse test. The enhancement of oral activity but not subcutaneous activity by the introduction of a 17α-ethynyl group in place of a 17α-hydrogen was confirmed and extended. Other alkyl substituents reduced uterotrophic activity.

Significant uterotrophic activity was associated with certain 3- and/or 17-deoxy steroids. Oestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol was 11% as active as oestrone by the subcutaneous route whereas 17α-oestradiol was only 3.2% as active.

POSITIVE NITROGEN BALANCE AND THE PREVENTION OF ILEUS IN THE IMMEDIATE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD

A solution to the problems of nitrogen balance and ileus in the postoperative period is presented. A new three-lumen nasogastric tube (Moss decompression tube) was used in three patients on whom aortic grafts were carried out and in five who underwent cholecystectomy, and these patients are compared to control groups. The use of this tube prevents postoperative ileus and permits the feeding of patients, by the enteral route, as early as two hours after operation in some instances. A positive nitrogen balance was achieved as early as four hours after operation. In control groups, positive nitrogen balance could not be obtained until six to 10 days postoperatively. Weight loss was prevented and hospital stay considerably reduced. The use of the Moss decompression tube prevents postoperative ileus and permits early enteral feeding obtaining, in a matter of hours, a positive nitrogen balance.