Estratetraenol, also known as estra-1,3,5(10),16-tetraen-3-ol, is an

endogenous Endogenous substances and processes are those that originate from within a living system such as an organism, tissue, or cell. In contrast, exogenous substances and processes are those that originate from outside of an organism. For example, ...

steroid A steroid is a biologically active organic compound with four rings arranged in a specific molecular configuration. Steroids have two principal biological functions: as important components of cell membranes that alter membrane fluidity; and ...

found in

women A woman is an adult female human. Prior to adulthood, a female human is referred to as a girl (a female child or Adolescence, adolescent). The plural ''women'' is sometimes used in certain phrases such as "women's rights" to denote female hum ...

that has been described as having

pheromone A pheromone () is a secreted or excreted chemical factor that triggers a social response in members of the same species. Pheromones are chemicals capable of acting like hormones outside the body of the secreting individual, to affect the behavio ...

-like activities in primates, including humans. Estratetraenol is synthesized from androstadienone by

aromatase Aromatase (), also called estrogen synthetase or estrogen synthase, is an enzyme responsible for a key step in the biosynthesis of estrogens. It is CYP19A1, a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily, which are monooxygenases that catalyze many ...

likely in the

ovaries The ovary is an organ in the female reproductive system that produces an ovum. When released, this travels down the fallopian tube into the uterus, where it may become fertilized by a sperm. There is an ovary () found on each side of the body. T ...

, and is related to the

estrogen Estrogen or oestrogen is a category of sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. There are three major endogenous estrogens that have estrogenic hormonal ac ...

sex hormone Sex hormones, also known as sex steroids, gonadocorticoids and gonadal steroids, are steroid hormones that interact with vertebrate steroid hormone receptors. The sex hormones include the androgens, estrogens, and progestogens. Their effect ...

s, yet has no known estrogenic effects. It was first identified from the urine of pregnant women. Estratetraenyl acetate, or estra-1,3,5(10),16-tetraen-3-yl acetate, is a more potent synthetic derivative of estratetraenol. Estratetraenol is an

estrane Estrane is a C18 steroid derivative, with a gonane core. ''Estrenes'' are estrane derivatives that contain a double bond, with an example being nandrolone. ''Estratrienes'' (estrins) are estrane derivatives that contain three double bonds, for i ...

(C18)

and an analogue of

estradiol Estradiol (E2), also spelled oestradiol, is an estrogen steroid hormone and the major female sex hormone. It is involved in the regulation of the estrous and menstrual female reproductive cycles. Estradiol is responsible for the development o ...

where the C17β

hydroxyl group In chemistry, a hydroxy or hydroxyl group is a functional group with the chemical formula and composed of one oxygen atom covalently bonded to one hydrogen atom. In organic chemistry, alcohols and carboxylic acids contain one or more hydroxy ...

has been removed and a

double bond In chemistry, a double bond is a covalent bond between two atoms involving four bonding electrons as opposed to two in a single bond. Double bonds occur most commonly between two carbon atoms, for example in alkenes. Many double bonds exist betwee ...

has been formed between the C16 and C17 positions.

Experiments

Experiments performed have indicated a correlation between estratetraenol and the ability to attract cooperative mates. The hormone sends olfactory signals of high fertility in pregnant and ovulating women that presents and highlights attractive qualities in those women to potential mates. These interactions between the hormone signals and males showed an increased cooperation and compassion from males to the pregnant female. Another study shows that the hormone can have an effect on how a male will approach the pursuance of a female by altering the level of sexual cognition and behavior. While the hormone increases the attractions of males to females, studies also show that it does not have an effect on the impulsive sexual nature of men when it relates to sexual desire and delayed gratification.

References

Cyclopentenes Estranes Human pheromones Mammalian pheromones Neurosteroids {{Biochemistry-stub

Experiments

See also

References