PubMed · 1264784
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S Whitehead. 1976-04-15. Abortion practice: could drugs replace doctors?. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1264784/
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Many plant proteins possessing abortifacient activities were identified as ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs). The effect of several ribosome-inactivating proteins (saporin 6, dianthin 32, pokeweed antiviral protein from seeds, gelonin, bryodin-R, and momordin) on primary cultures of human trophoblasts and human embryonal fibroblasts and on choriocarcinoma (JAR and BeWo) and ovarian carcinoma (TG) cell lines was studied. Protein synthesis of human trophoblasts and BeWo cells was lowered by RIPs more than that of other cells. The trophoblastic receptors for estradiol were not affected by treatment of the cells with momordin. The binding and uptake of saporin 6 and momordin by BeWo and HeLa cells were not correlated to cell toxicity.
Medical termination of a first trimester intrauterine pregnancy associated with large and multiple leiomyomas posed a unique problem because the sac was inaccessible per vaginum for surgical or vacuum evacuation. The use of prostaglandins was contraindicated due to a past history of bronchial asthma. But intraamniotic and intraplacental instillation of methotrexate, 25 mg at each site, under ultrasound guidance resulted in termination of pregnancy. No side effects or complications were observed after the procedure.
The results are presented of a field study of the use of high dose Estrogen/Progestin combination drugs in Cusco, Peru, 1987. In Western countries the sale of these products is restricted. In the 1970s the use of high dose Estrogen/Progestin combination drugs as a hormonal pregnancy test was assumed to cause birth defects. Still these drugs have high sales data in Third World countries, where they are marketed for the treatment of menstrual disorders and for pregnancy diagnosis. A widespread misuse as abortifacient is assumed, although the abortive effect has never been proved. In this study 112 gynaecological consultations by doctors and 53 by midwives were observed. Seventeen health professionals and 26 salesmen in pharmacies were interviewed. It turned out that doctors and midwives prescribe high dose Estrogen/Progestin combination drugs to women whose periods are delayed. Of the consults 33% concerned this complaint. Women prefer "hindsight" birth control methods. Abortion is illegal. Under the cover of menstruation regulation or pregnancy diagnosis health professionals meet the wishes of women who search for an abortifacient. The products can easily be obtained without prescription. It is suggested that high dose Estrogen/Progestin combination drugs should be withdrawn from the market.