Estrogens direct the development of the female genotype in embryogenesis and at puberty. Estradiol is the major estrogen secreted by the premenopausal ovary.^1,2 Estradiol benzoate is an estradiol analog which contains a benzyl ester at the C-3 position. It is often used in combination with a progestin to induce estrus in domestic livestock.³ Estradiol benzoate binds to the human and murine estrogen receptor α (ERα), and chicken ER with IC₅₀ values in the range of 22-28 nM.⁴ This reflects a 6-10 fold reduction in binding affinity compared to estradiol.⁴

1 Miller, W.L., Tyrrell, J.B. The adrenal cortex. 3^rd edition, 555-711 (1995).

2 Vance, D.E. Cholesterol and related derivatives. 2^nd ed., 725-748 (1988).

3 Cavalieri, J., Hepworth, G., Macmillan, K.L. Ovarian follicular development in Holstein cows following synchronisation of oestrus with oestradiol benxoate and an intravaginal progesterone releasing insert for 5-9 days and duration of the oestrous cycle and concentrations of progesterone following ovulation. Anim Reprod Sci 81 177-193 (2004).

4 Matthews, J., Celius, T., Halgren, R., et al. Differential estrogen receptor binding of estrogenic substances: A species comparison. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 74 223-234 (2000).

Matthews, J., Celius, T., Halgren, R., et al. Differential estrogen receptor binding of estrogenic substances: A species comparison. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 74 223-234 (2000).

Cavalieri, J., Hepworth, G., Macmillan, K.L. Ovarian follicular development in Holstein cows following synchronisation of oestrus with oestradiol benxoate and an intravaginal progesterone releasing insert for 5-9 days and duration of the oestrous cycle and concentrations of progesterone following ovulation. Anim Reprod Sci 81 177-193 (2004).

Vance, D.E. Cholesterol and related derivatives. 2^nd ed., 725-748 (1988).

Miller, W.L., Tyrrell, J.B. The adrenal cortex. 3^rd edition, 555-711 (1995).

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