In terms of relative binding affinity (RBA) for the rat uterineestrogen receptor, 16α-hydroxyestrone showed 2.8% of the affinity of estradiol.[3] For comparison, estrone had 11% of the affinity and estriol had 10% of the affinity of estradiol.[3] In contrast to other estrogens, the binding of 16α-hydroxyestrone to the estrogen receptor is reported to be covalent and irreversible.[4][5][6][7] 16α-Hydroxyestrone has been reported to have 25% of the vaginalestrogenicpotency of estradiol.[3] The maximal uterotrophic and antigonadotropic effect of 16α-hydroxyestrone was equivalent to those of estradiol and estriol, indicating that 16α-hydroxyestrone is a fully effective estrogen.[3][8] However, 16α-hydroxyestrone was much less potent than estradiol or estrone.[8]
The C3 and C16α diacetateester of 16α-hydroxyestrone, hydroxyestrone diacetate (brand names Colpoginon, Colpormon, Hormobion, and Hormocervix), has been marketed and used medically as an estrogen in Europe.[9][10]
Notes: Values are mean ± SD or range. ER RBA = Relative binding affinity to estrogen receptors of rat uterinecytosol. Uterine weight = Percentage change in uterine wet weight of ovariectomized rats after 72 hours with continuous administration of 1 μg/hour via subcutaneously implantedosmotic pumps. LH levels = Luteinizing hormone levels relative to baseline of ovariectomized rats after 24 to 72 hours of continuous administration via subcutaneous implant. Footnotes:a = Synthetic (i.e., not endogenous). b = Atypical uterotrophic effect which plateaus within 48 hours (estradiol's uterotrophy continues linearly up to 72 hours). Sources: See template.
^ abVelardo, Joseph Thomas (1964). "The Actions of Steroid Hormones on Estradiol-17β in Uterine Growth and Enzymorphology". Hormonal Steroids Biochemistry, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics. pp. 463–490. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-395506-7.50065-0. ISBN9780123955067.