19-nur-pregnane steroids as neurochemical initiators of change in human hypothalamic function
AssigneePherin Corporation
InventorsClive L. Jennings-White, David L. Berliner, Nathan W. Adams
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Abstract
The invention relates to a method of altering hypothalamic function in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a human vomeropherin, e.g. a 19-nor pregnane steroid, or a pharmaceutical composition containing a vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Other embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing the steroids.
Claims17
A method of altering the electrovomerogram, electrodermal activity, respiratory frequency, electrocardiogram, electromyogram, body temperature or electroencephalogram of an individual comprising administering to the vomeronasal organ of said individual an amount of a 19-nor pregnane effective to alter the electrovomerogram, electrodermal activity, respiratory frequency, electrocardiogram, electromyogram, body temperature or electroencephalogram of said individual, said 19-nor pregnane having the formula ##STR116## wherein P.sub.1 is oxo, .alpha.- or .beta.-hydroxy, .alpha.- or .beta.-acetoxy, .alpha.- or .beta.-propionoxy, .alpha.- or .beta.-lower alkoxy, .alpha.- or .beta.-lower acyloxy or .alpha.- or .beta.-benzyloxy;
- "a", "b", "c", "d", "e", "f", "g", "h", "i", "j", "m" and "n" are alternative sites for optional double bonds, and "k" may be absent or present with "j" to form a triple bond;
- P.sub.2 is a hydroxy, hydrogen, lower alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or P.sub.2 is absent;
- P.sub.3 is oxo, hydrogen, hydroxy, lower alkoxy of 1-6 carbon atoms or halo;
- P.sub.4 is methyl or ethyl;
- P.sub.5 is hydrogen, methyl or halo;
- P.sub.6 is hydrogen or methyl;
- R' and R" are independently, hydrogen or halo, or are absent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.