Cutaneous Application of Ethinyl Estradiol in Alcohol

Abstract

Results and Summary

1. The estrogenic hormone, ethinyl estradiol, in an alcoholic solution was absorbed through the skin of albino rats very effectively by cutaneous application without massage and in this vehicle appeared to give a complete substitution for the natural estrogenic internal secretion from the ovary. This would seem to indicate a very simple and reliable means of cutaneous application. Effective absorption of this estrogen through the skin was evidenced by the pronounced influence similar to that generally known of other estrogens on the pituitaries, ovaries, uteri, vagina, testes, seminal vesicles and ventral prostates as determined by gross weights (Table I) and histological studies. 2. The potency of an alcoholic solution of ethinyl estradiol applied to the skin was further substantiated by the fact that estrus was induced in both spayed and intact females in 24 hours and that the daily dosage of 0.1 γ was sufficient to substitute for the loss of the ovaries in castrates as evidenced by uterine weights (Table I). 3. Some retardation of body growth gain (Table II) was caused by the estrogenic treatment in the adult females (spayed and intact) and in immature males. Whether the retardation of body growth was due to some specific toxicity or to some other factor was not determined, however, no visible toxic effects were witnessed in daily observations on the eating habits, general skin and hair condition.