Abstract
In order to determine whether anticonvulsant effects and hormonal properties are intimately related among steroid compounds, the anticonvulsant activity of progesterone, desoxyconticosterone and other steroids was explored in mice. This activity was shown not to be a general characteristic of steroid compounds or to be closely associated with progestational or other hormonal effects. A series of 3β-(aminoalkyl) esters of pregnenolone were examined for anticonvulsant activity, and the most active compound, 3β-(3-N-pyrrolidinylpropionyloxy)-5-pnegnen-20-One (SC-10024), was additionally tested and was found to be devoid of hormonal effects. A brief clinical trial with SC-10024 showed it to exert beneficial effects in patients with epilepsy even though its activity was of such a low order that it precluded further testing.
Footnotes
- Accepted March 10, 1966.
- The Williams & Wilkins Comapny