Discussion
Ask a question about 'Antiprogestin'
Start a new discussion about 'Antiprogestin'
Answer questions from other users
|
An
antiprogestin is a substance that prevents cells from making or using
progesteroneProgesterone also known as P4 is a C-21 steroid hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryogenesis of humans and other species...
(a
hormoneA hormone is a chemical released by a cell or a gland in one part of the body that sends out messages that affect cells in other parts of the organism. Only a small amount of hormone is required to alter cell metabolism. In essence, it is a chemical messenger that transports a signal from one...
that plays a
roleA role or a social role is a set of connected behaviours, rights and obligations as conceptualised by actors in a social situation. It is an expected or free or continuously changing behaviour and may have a given individual social status or social position...
in the
menstrual cycleThe menstrual cycle is the scientific term for the physiological changes that can occur in fertile women for the purpose of sexual reproduction. This article focuses on the human menstrual cycle....
and
pregnancyPregnancy refers to the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, in a woman's uterus. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets...
). Antiprogestins may stop some cancer cells from
growingGrowing may refer to:* Growth* Growing , a noise band currently based in Brooklyn, New York* Growing , a 2007 album by the instrumental rock band Sleeping People...
and they are being studied in the treatment of
breast cancerBreast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...
. An antiprogestin is a type of
hormone antagonistFor the use of hormone antagonists in cancer, see hormonal therapy A Hormone antagonist is a specific type of receptor antagonist which acts upon hormones....
.
External links
- Antiprogestin entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms