Description
17-α-ethynylestradiol is a synthetic estrogen receptor (ER) agonist clinically used in contraceptive medications. In pregnant rats, 17-α-ethynylestradiol decreases platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase activity, inducing premature birth. 17-α-ethynylestradiol also displays weak antioxidative activity in lipid peroxidation assays in liver microsomes. Both acute and chronic exposure of wildlife (particularly fish) to 17-α-ethynylestradiol leads to feminization of males (through the induction of vitellogenin production), inhibiting fertility.