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Antiandrogens or progestins with an antiandrogenic component usually have only a weak antigonadotropic activity. It is thus possible that the antiandrogenic effect on the cellular level is cancelled or at least reduced by an increased ovarian androgen production. The aim of the four submitted clinical studies of the progestin and antiandrogen dienogest alone (0.5-2 mg/day) or of a combined regimen of ethinylestradiol (0.03 mg) plus dienogest (2 mg) (EE/DNG) was to examine the influence on the serum androgen and SHBG concentrations as well as on the serum FSH, LH, progesterone and 17 beta-estradiol concentrations in young women. Like the progesterone derivatives, dienogest has a relatively low antigonadotropic activity. Inhibition of ovulation is mainly produced by peripheral mechanisms such as the reduction of preovulatory 17 beta-estradiol secretion. Dienogest alone has no significant effects on the serum SHBG and androgen concentrations. Unlike this, the combination of EE plus DNG markedly increases SHBG concentrations (to 2.1-3.7 fold the basal levels). The decrease in serum androgens with total testosterone (by 17 and 40%), free testosterone (by 48 and 54%) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (by 51%) corresponds to the values shown in the literature for other oral contraceptives with modern progestins. EE/DNG does not affect the serum concentrations of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), although the marker of the peripheral transformation from T to DHT, androstanediol glucuronide, is distinctly reduced (by 38%). In a double-blind comparison no differences are found between EE/DNG and a regimen combining 0.02 mg of ethinylestradiol and 0.150 mg of desogestrel. Solely the SHBG concentrations, with EE/DNG, as expected, are significantly higher. In a sequential regimen, dienogest, chlormadinone acetate and desogestrel (progestins without binding to SHBG) enhance the inhibitory effect of ethinylestradiol sulfonate on free testosterone, whereas norethindrone acetate and levonorgestrel (progestins with a strong binding to SHBG) reduce this effect of the estrogen significantly. These results exclude the possibility that the very distinct antiandrogenic effect of dienogest on a cellular level is neutralised or reduced by an increased systemic supply of androgen.

In 8 female sports students (runners) aged 20 and 21 years and 10 women between 20 and 40 years of age, who regularly underwent body building training, serum levels of ethinylestradiol (EE2) and levonorgestrel (LNG) have been determined under conditions of exercise as well as in rest, prior to and following the intake of 1 tablet of Gravistat (0.05 mg EE2, 0.125 mg LNG). Blood samples were obtained at points 0, 2, 6 and 24 hours. Exercise (5000 meter running and intensive body building training of one hour duration, respectively) was started immediately after intake of the steroid combination. There were no significant differences in the serum concentration levels obtained during exercise and rest. But exercise consistently resulted in a slight decrease of EE2 and LNG serum concentrations and the area under curve values.

Caffeine is mainly metabolized by 3-methylcholanthreneinducible cytochrome P-450, whereas metamizol (Analgin) is probably mainly metabolized by the phenobarbital inducible cytochrome P-450 family. Therefore the elimination of caffeine from serum and the elimination of the main metabolites of metamizol in urine reflect the activity of these two cytochrome P-450 families. Sex hormones can influence the activity of cytochrome P-450. Intake of levonorgestrel (0.125 mg) daily for 14 days reduced the metabolism of caffeine slightly, but the elimination of metamizol-metabolites is not influenced. Longterm administration of levonorgestrel (0.250 mg daily) for three months did not change the metabolisms of both model substances tested. In contrast, ethynylestradiol (0.050 mg) alone and also the combination with levonorgestrel markedly retarded the elimination rate of caffeine and metamizol-metabolites. This fact should be taken into consideration in drug therapy.

Pharmacokinetic investigations (c0h, c2h, c6h, c24h, AUC24) were carried out both in the first and last four days of a treatment cycle in patients of different ages, who used oral contraceptives at least for 12 months. 57 women took the preparation Trisiston (three-step-formulation with the components 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol (EE2) + 0.05 mg levonorgestrel (LNG), 0.04 mg EE2 + 0.075 mg LNG, 0.03 mg EE2 + 0.125 mg LNG), 23 subjects used Gravistat (0.05 mg EE2 + 0.125 mg LNG) and 17 patients were under Certostat, a preparation still in clinical evaluation (0.05 mg EE2 + 2.0 mg Dienogest (DNG)). The levels of EE2, LNG and DNG were measured by means of radioimmunoassays. Between the concentrations obtained after administration of a first and single tablet (earlier investigations) and those determined in long-time users during the first 4 days following the tablet-free interval no qualitative and quantitative differences were observed. Between the levels of EE2 and LNG determined in the first and last days of the treatment cycle, marked differences were found in patients under the formulations Trisiston and Gravistat, but not in those taking Certostat. It is concluded that a cyclic and reversible cumulating effect emerges under the influence of LNG-containing contraceptives, the mechanism of which cannot be explained solely by the increase of carrier protein capacity. It seems possibly due to an alteration of steroid metabolism resulting from the interaction between both components.

Serum levels of ethinylestradiol (E2) and levonorgestrel (LNG) have been determined in 10 volunteers of similar age after administration of 1 tablet of the oral contraceptives Gravistat and Ediwal, respectively, each containing 0.05 mg E2 and 0.125 mg LNG, using a cross over design. The studies were carried out at intervals of 4 weeks, within the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and under standardized conditions. Wide variations were observed between the women in the calculated pharmacokinetic parameters, while there was a relatively close correspondence between the intra-individually obtained values, except for one case.

A radioimmunoassay for ethinylestradiol (EE2) which was developed in the pharmacological department of VEB Jenapharm has been modified and fully validated. It was the purpose of the present study to extend the still limited data concerning EE2-serum levels after a single and repeated ingestion of combination pills with different doses of EE2. 10 volunteers aged 17-25 years with normal body weight and length received a single tablet of either Gravistat (0.05 mg ethinylestradiol + 0.125 mg levonorgestrel) or Minisiston (0.03 mg ethinylestradiol + 0.125 mg levonorgestrel). 11 other women were involved into the study after ingestion of the 21st tablet of a contraceptive cycle. Peak serum levels which were significantly higher in the Gravistat- than in the Minisiston-group were observed 90 to 120 minutes after the oral administration. Detectable EE2 levels were determined in all volunteers after 24 hours. Pharmacokinetic data showed pronounced interindividual variations. Whereas the mean 24 hours levels of EE2 increased progressively during the treatment cycles, kinetic values obtained at the end of the cycle exhibited a significantly higher level than those after ingestion of a single dose. Area under curve (AUC) was calculated by the trapezoidal rule with the aid of a compartment free model.

The effects of two sequential oral contraceptive preparations, Sequostat (6 days ethinylestradiol 0.05 mg, 15 days ethinylestradiol 0.05 mg + norethisterone acetate 1.0 mg) and Sequence-Ovosiston (9 days mestranol 0.1 mg, 12 days mestranol 0.08 mg + chlormadinone acetate 2.0 mg) on triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-Cholesterol, glucose tolerance, total plasma proteins, plasma protein fractions, plasma transaminases, gamma-glutamyl-transferase, alkaline phosphatase and antithrombin III were studied in two groups of 46 and 29 young women respectively. Investigations were performed prior to the hormonal intake and after treatment for 3, 6 and 12 months. In nearly all parameters studied significant but minimal changes could be demonstrated which in most cases showed a minor degree in the Sequostat-group, while Sequence-Ovosiston exerted a less effect on glucose tolerance. A significant increase of HDL-cholesterol and a reduction of LDL/HDL-cholesterol relation could be demonstrated at least in the first six months, resulting from the estrogen dominance of the contraceptives.

Caffeine is mainly metabolized by 3-methyl-cholanthrene-inducible cytochrome P-450, whereas metamizol (Analgin) is probably mainly metabolized by phenobarbital inducible cytochromes P-450. Therefore the elimination of caffeine from serum and the amount of the main metabolites of metamizol excreted into urine reflect the activity of these two cytochrome P-450 families. Sex hormones can influence the activity of cytochrome P-450. Dienogest is a new gestagen, used for temporary contraception. We investigated the effect of this new sexual hormone alone and in combination with ethynylestradiol on the elimination of both testdrugs. In 10 healthy volunteers dienogest 2 mg daily for 14 days have no effect on the metabolism of model drugs whereas the combination with 0.05 mg ethynylestradiol has an influence on the elimination of caffeine and metamizol.

Karyopycnotic and keratinisation indices were determined in buccal smears which had been taken from newborns. An assessment was made of 239 smears which had been obtained from newborns in their first eight weeks of age, with the probands being subdivided into two groups, depending on breast feeding and feeding on powdered milk (Ki-Na).--Both indices were extremely high on the first day after birth, but they declined up to the eighth or 14th days of age which was attributed to postnatal reduction of high foetal oestrogen levels. Both indices then went up, with some difference being recordable between the two groups, depending on the modes of feeding. The keratinisation index of the breast-feeding group was much higher than that of the Ki-Na group, on account of very high oestrogen levels in breast milk, between the fourth and seventh days from delivery, with consequences on mucous membrane proliferation. The keratinisation index declined gradually along with oestrogen drop of breast milk and turned to be equal to that of the Ki-Na group, eight weeks after delivery.--Proliferation of buccal mucous membrane and its importance to efficient defence against infection during the first four weeks of age are discussed.

48 women complaining of climacteric disorders were treated with an estrogen preparation for 1 year. Before an intervalls of 2 month during the treatment period studies of the Kupperman index, the vaginal karyopcnotic index and 3 neurovegatative (hemodynamic) tests were carried out: The orthostase-test according to Schellong, the cold-pressor-test according to Hines and Brown, the Pholedrin (Veritol-)test. During estrogen substitution the following alterations could be stated: A significant decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, a tendency of adjusting the systolic blood pressure values after standing up to the values in rest (Schellong-test I), a shortening of the interval needed to establish stable values of blood pressure and heart frequency, a tendency to reduce the increase of blood pressure in the cold pressor test, and a significant amplification of the increase of blood pressure and blood pressure amplitude in the Pholedrin test. These results are believed to indicate an alteration of vegetative reactivity in the parasympathicomimetic direction. Estrogens seem to exert a favourable influence on the mechanism of blood pressure regulation.

Intravenous administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) induces not only a rapid release of pituitary LH and FSH stored, but also stimulates biosynthesis of these hormones by a long acting process. Repeated injection of GnRH after an interval of 90 to 120 minutes evokes an increased response compared with the first period of stimulation. This pattern of reaction is principally maintained on therapy with steroidal contraceptives. The twofold stimulation provides additional information on hypothalamic-pituitary reactivity exceeding the results yielded by the simple GnRH stimulation test. On the contrary examination of prolactin response to twofold TRH-administration gives no increased diagnostic aid.

50 healthy women (mean age 29.9 +/- 6.4 years) with early unwanted pregnancy (mean duration 39.3 +/- 2.9 days post menstruationem) received a single oral dose of 600 mg of Mifepristone. Uterine bleedings occurred in all patients within 8 to 110 hours (43 +/- 23.3 hours) after the application, but its duration was very different and correlated with the results of treatment. 39 patients reported on an amount of bleeding exceeding by far the menstrual strength. But in most cases this heavy bleeding lasted only 1-3 days. Frequency of complete abortion was 80% (40 women). 4 patients had an incomplete abortion, and in 6 women the pregnancy was unaffected by the treatment. "Medical abortion" provides a novel alternative to the surgical procedure and is fairly accepted by the patients. Its efficacy, however, should be improved by focusing on early pregnancies not exceeding 10 days after the expected menstrual period and, perhaps, the additional usage of low doses of prostaglandin E derivatives.

The total level of N-acetylneuraminic acid in serum was found to be affected by long-time application of hormonal contraceptives. That effect appeared to depend on oestrogen. The problem of reversibility is discussed.

In 10 women serum FSH- and LH-concentrations (radioimmunoassay) were measured daily throughout a complete cycle. 2 patients exhibited untreated biphasic menstrual cycles. 2 women were under the treatment of a combined estrogen - progestagen preparation, 1 woman was taking a sequential preparation, and 5 patients were treated with a weekly dose of a recently developed depot - estrogen (ethinylestradiolsulfonate). While the untreated women showed typical serum FSH-and LH-patterns characteristic of the biphasic menstrual cycle, patients on combined therapy were found to have a continuous low FSH- and LH-level except in the postmenstrual phase of the cycle, in which the values were slightly elevated. Serum-FSH-concentration in the woman on the sequential preparation remained constant throughout the treatment peroid, while serum LH-pattern showed multiple peaks. In the same manner, serum LH-patterns in women on the weekly depot- estrogen regimen were characterized by nearly regularly appearing LH-peaks, which seemed to be correlated with the estrogen intake. The cause and clinical significance of these findings are discussed.

Excretion of synthetic sexual steroids in parotid saliva was investigated by means of thin-layer chromatography. Oestrogens and gestagens were detectable, depending on doses, within one hour from application.

The effect of hormonal contraceptives administered for 24 months on the hydroxyproline content in urine was investigated. -- The results suggest an increase of hydroxyproline by application of sexual steroids. The reversibility is discussed.

The isotope nephrograms of a total of 31 renally healthy pregnant women of different thirds of pregnancy are semiquantitatively investigated by 2 methods. The results are demonstrated graphically. This comparison show that a more correct result can be made with the describing method by taking a greater number of parameters describing the excretory phase.

The term, 'proliferation dosage' of an estrogen is defined differently in the gynecologic literature. In this article the authors were concerned critically with the methods of its determination. They came to the conclusion that under standardized conditions sufficiently sure and reproducible results can be received in postmenopausal women. 7 short acting and 3 long acting estrogens, some of which are clinically unknown substances, were examined using the following definition of proliferation dosage: 'Proliferation dosage is the amount of an estrogen which induces the signs of the late proliferation phase after being administered daily in the course of 10 to 14 days to postmenopausal women with atrophic endometrium.' In order to investigate the proliferating properties of 3 depot estrogens a modified test procedure was performed, derived from animal experiments' results and the planned clinical mode of application.

The isotope dilution technique was used to study the oestrogen component of "Deposiston", a long-acting contraceptive, and its effects on blood volume. Blood volume increased by about ten per cent within 15 days from administration of 3 mg of ethinyloestradiol-sulphonate (1 mg/week). Haematocrit was reduced, at the same time. This haemodynamic initial effect should be always taken into account for any assessment of biochemical parameters in response to hormonal contraception.

Placentas of different gestational age from women with oral contraception in the early phase of gravidity were studied morphometrically. An elevated risk for a placental insufficiency could not be found.

The elimination of caffeine from serum and that of the main metabolites of metamizol in serum were investigated in 9 healthy women on days 1, 8, 14 and 21 of the menstrual cycle. In the luteal phase, when the progesterone level is highest and the estradiol concentration is high as well, the elimination of caffeine is about 25% longer than in the follicular phase. In contrast to caffeine, the metabolism of metamizol is slightly accelerated if the endogenous hormone level is high. The present results suggest that endogenous hormones have different effects on biotransformation activities. These results are without practical consequences yet.

A possible negative influence of anticonceptional steroids on various stages of reproduction is discussed. Theoretically an action of antifertility drugs on mutagenesis, the segmentation period, embryogenesis, foetogenesis or somatic and sexual development behaviour is conceivable. In accordance with the results reported by other authors, our own statistical data yield no increase in the frequency of infants with congenital malformations or with chromosomal anomalies. Nevertheless, careful prospective studies should be undertaken.

In order to check the long-term effects of oral contraceptives used in the GDR on certain serum-lipid-fractions, triglycerides, phospholipids, total and free cholesterol, and beta-lipoproteins were determined in four groups of 15 women each, taking the contraceptive preparations Ovosiston, Nonovlon, Gravistat, and Deposiston. Determinations were carried out before and following 3, 6, 12, and 18 month of drug administration. Statistically significant increases of triglycerides occurred under the combined preparations, of phospholipids under Ovosiston and Deposiston and of the beta-lipoproteins under Ovosiston and Gravistat. Total cholesterol showed a slight decrease under all preparations tested. At present the prognostic significance of these slight alterations of serum-lipid-concentrations cannot be estimated completely.

On the basis of our good experiences with the application of the spoon culture procedure in the quantitative bacteriological urine diagnostics, we tested the applicability of the plastic spoon in the diagnostics of vaginal mycoses. Our investigations show that the spoon culture procedure means an optimization and rationalization in mycological diagnostics due to omission of several stages of work and of the risks of transport, and due to improvement of diagnostic reliability and acceleration of the transmission of findings.

The behaviour of the C-reactive protein--an acute phase reactant=-in sera from pregnant women and women with different applications of hormonal contraceptives was analysed. A significant increase of the CRP as a consequence of the effect of the sexualsteroids in 627 single measurements could be shown.

Initial effects of the following hormonal contraceptives on certain serum proteins in 29 women were checked under standardised conditions through the first three cycles on the pill: Deposiston (ethinyloestradiol-sulphonate/norethisterone-acetate), Gravistat (ethinyloestradiol/norgestrel), Non-Ovlon (ethinyloestradiol/norethisterone-actate).--Effects were found to differ strongly by fractions. Differences were recorded also from action over time. Changes and deviations were confirmed to depend on oestrogen levels.

The behaviour of butanol-extractable iodine in serum was tested, during and on completion of administration of Non-Ovlon, Ovosiston, Gravistat, and Deposiston, the latter being a longacting contraceptive. Action of synthetic sexual steroids led to an increase in butanol-extractable iodine. However, this change proved to be easily reversible, soon after the end of medication, even after long-time application. Yet, complete normalisation should not be expected to occur before the second cycle without contraceptives, which applies, in particular, to women who had been on long-acting contraceptives.

In 31 patients taking oral contraceptives (o.c.) for a period between 1 year to more than 3 years, basal serum prolactin levels and metoclopramide induced prolactin values were determined 30 and 60 minutes following an i.v. injection of 10 mg of metoclopramide. The basal prolactin levels were elevated in 7 women to more than 1,000 mU l. The 3 groups of patients taking o.c. with different estrogen doses showed higher drug induced increase of their prolactin levels than the controls. These differences were statistically significant between groups I and III and the control group. No differences could be found between the challenged values of the users groups. The prolactin increase challenged with 200 micrograms TRH in 5 women under o.c. was considerably smaller than that observed in the metoclopramide groups, but exceeded the TRH induced levels found in the controls. The significance of these findings is discussed with special reference to the promotion of prolactinomas.

By means of isotope nephrograms of a total of 29 renally healthy women who had been taken for more than 1 year the drug Deposiston, the renal function is investigated. Checking is done by using the semiquantitative evaluation parameters according to Zum Winkel, Pabst and Hör and to own criteria. Our results show that the highly dosed application of estrogens does not induce significant changes of renal function in the isotope nephrogram.

By means of isotope nephrograms of a total of 31 renally healthy pregnant women of the different thirds of pregnancy, the changes of renal function are investigated. The semiquantitative assessment is done according to zum Winkel. The results are discussed referring to the literature. The isotope nephrography proves to be a good screening test for the separate estimation of the function of both kidneys also in pregnancy.

In this study we have found, that the gingiva epithelium is a sensitive hormonal receptor which may present different histologic and cytologic changes in relation to the hormonal influences acting upon this organ. The oral smears can be used as a reliable test for the evaluation of estrogenic effects in monohormonal conditions.

The ability of the sexual steroids to induce extragenital organ-effects is set in connection to the preovulatory decrease of x-chromatin frequency during the regular menstrual cycle as found by Schmidt and coll. [11]. Under modified techniques of investigation and exact criteria of selection, reproducibility of the results and the behaviour of the x-chromatin-frequency in the artificially controlled anovulatory cycle are checked. The absence of preovulatory decrease shows that a hormonal influence may be assumed.

Ethinylestradiol sulfonate is a newly developed orally effective derivate of ethinylestradiol with depot properties produced by "Jenapharm"-GDR. This depot estrogen has been proved for its usefullness in treating menopausal syndrom. A modified Kupperman-index had been used to check the therapeutic results. The effects concerning the endometrium were examined in postmenopausal women that atrophic character of endometrium had been ensured before. Ethinylestradiol sulfonate was applicated in the following dosages: 0,015 mg/day; 0,25 mg/week; 0,5 mg/week; 1,0 mg/week; 3 mg/month. The treatment with 0,25 mg/week over a period of 4 up to 6 weeks proved to be possible and effective if we take into account the endometrial reaction and the danger of bleeding. After the removal of the uterus higher dosages can be given. Up to a dose of 1 mg/week there were not to be seen subjective side effects. Ethinylestradiol sulfonate was compared with other oral estrogens.

The influence of drug stimulated biotransformation on the biological effectiveness of two different contraceptives (Deposition and Gravistat) was observed.--Phenobarbital, a potent enzyme inducer, is known to increase the metabolism of steroid hormones, including estrogens and progrestogens. -- The clinical symptoms of drug mediated enzyme induction of hormonal steroid contraceptives are dysfunctional bleedings. This phenomenon is discussed.

Reversibility of changes induced by sexual steroids was studied in 19 different serum protein fractions of 20 women. The following preparations were available for testing: Gravistat (ethinyl-oestradiol/norgestrel), Non-Ovlon (ethinyloestradiol/norethisterone-acetate), Ovosiston (mestranol/chlormadinone-acetate), and Deposiston (ethinyloestradiol-sulphonate/norethisterone-acetate). The tests were made towards the end of the 24th cycle on the pill and in the first cycle thereafter.--The proteins tested were found to be affected in a differentiated way and, throughout, depending on oestrogen levels. Reversal was rapid, but the phase of restitution usually was longer than the period of testing and follow-up. The long-lasting action of Deposiston was visualised also in its "reversal effect".

Studies were conducted into 40 women who were afflicted with first-degree and second-degree urinary incontenence. The results are broken down by diagnostic methods used. The same methods were applied for control to 14 women without any incontinence complaints. - The contributions actually made by each of the methods to the definite presurgical diagnosis in its totality are described by graphic presentation of the results. - The findings reported in this paper suggest that complex consideration has to be given to all results to introduce adequate therapy in given any case. While the methods reported proved to differ by informative value, none of them should be abandoned in routine examination.

The problem of ethinylestradiol sulphonate excretion in human milk was qualitatively and quantitatively studied. In two women 0.0012 or 0.03000 per cent of total radioactivity were detected within the first nine days from application. Parallel thin-layer chromatography revealed the occurrence of ethinyloestradiol sulphonate in both its depot form and as ethinylestradiol.

75 women received different preparates of contraceptives (Non-Ovlon, Ovosiston, Gravistat, Deposistion--VEB Jenapharm Jena, GDR) for two years. In the last month of the application of the sexual steroids and one month later the lysozyme titer in the sera was tested to determine a reverse or stop-effect. An elevation of the muramidase could be shown in all cases. This findings are interpreted in relation to a non manifest influence of sexualsteroids on the lysozyme.

Use of the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate in the treatment of hirsutism.--25 women with hirsutism or hypertrichosis faciei were subject to a "reverse sequential therapy" with cyproterone acetate (Hammerstein's regimen) for 1 to 3 years. In 8 patients, a limited, in 14 patients a satisfactory and in one woman a good result could be recorded. Cycle irregularities and subjective side effects were within a tolerable range. Studies of the hair pattern in 15 patients revealed a higher telogen rate as well as increased diameters of the hair stalks, compared with controls, in the temporal region of the head. These alterations disappeared in the course of the treatment. In the parietal region of the head no significant differences of the hair pattern were found in comparison with the controls and during application of the steroids.

The changes in cytohormonal patterns we have studied on 34 patients using various combinations of exogenous estrogenes and progestagens. Comparative analysis of data with the progestagen compounds Non-Ovlon or Gravistat showed a same effect on vaginal smear.

Constant rise of triglycerides and low but regular increase of phospholipid concentrations in serum were observed as a consequence of intake of single-phase hormonal contraceptives. This has been paralleled by inconstant, moderate rise in cholesterol. Those effects are likely to demonstrate dependence on oestrogen amounts of the preparations in question as well as on both quality and quantity of the progestagenic component. Rising concentrations of low density lipoproteins were recordable with regularity. However, variegated results so far have been obtained from studies into the behaviour of high-density lipoproteins. -The mechanism of origin of those alterations, which usually did not surpass normal limits, and their relevance to clinical practice are discussed.

56 healthy mothers were treated orally with an oestrogen (3 mg ethinyloestradiol-sulfonat) for inhibition of lactation. We found no effect on milk constituents (12 parameters). These results are discussed.

The colpocytologic efficacy of a new estrogen - ethinylestradiolsulfonate - has been studied in postmenopausal and fertile women. According to the depot character of the compound, ranging between ethinylestradiol and quinestrol, it exhibits a high and prolonged proliferative effect on the atropich vaginal epithelia. The weekly application of 1 mg of the substance in a contraceptive regimen causes a high grade of maturation with considerable individual differences. A single dose of 1 mg ethinylestradiolsulfonate quickly influences conditions of estrogen difficiency in the vaginal epithelia.

The problem of whether or not oral contraceptives affect the psychic function of the female is still controversal. The purpose of the present investigation was to study the occurrence of psychic and sexual effects in women taking either Ovosiston (mestranol 0,08 mg + chlormadinone acetate 2, 0 mg) or Non-Ovlon (ethinylestradiol 0,05 mg + norethisterone acetate 1,0 mg). 186 somatically healthy women were subject to two interviews, immediately before the start of therapy and six months after it. Most of the patients recorded distinctly alterations of their mood, their initiative, their elemental desires such as appetite, sleep, need of warmth, and their sexual behaviour. 73 of them noted a change in their emotional pattern, which was positive in 34 and negative in 39 cases. 99 women reported changes in their elemental desires. 136 patients exhibited alterations of their sexual behaviour, which were assessed as an improvement or impairment in 108 and 28 cases, respectively. There is a statistically significant correlation between the impairment of sexual function and the incidence of other untoward side effects. On the other hand, negative suggestion by poor experience of other women on by the influence of mass media seems to play a minor role in producing changes of sexual behaviour. There is, however, a clearcut relationship between negative suggestion and the incidence of unfavourable emotional alterations. The findings are discussed with reference to their clinical significance.

In the present publication the attempt is made to show relationship between pyelonephritis and blood-group. A shift of the blood-group distribution in disfavour of blood-group O can be seen finding its expression especialy in the representation of the relationship between E. coli demonstration and blood groups.

The renal function of a total of 137 women without renal diseases taking contraceptive steroids continuously but for different periods of time (up to a maximum of 8 years) was investigated by isotope nephrography. Checking is done by using the semiquantitative evaluation prameters according to Zum Winkel. The results show that the application of hormonal contraceptives does not induce significant changes of renal function in the isotope nephrogram.