A process for the artificial insemination of female pigs, which comprises the step of introducing into the environment of the female pig immediately prior to testing for oestrus response at least one compound selected from 5.alpha.-androst-16-en-3-one and 3.alpha.-hydroxy-5.alpha.-androst-16-ene. In a preferred process the compound is administered in the form of a spray of liquid droplets bearing the steroid compound.
The invention relates to novel, androstane steroids which are the ligand semiochemicals which bind to neuroepithelial receptors. The steroids are useful as ligands to neuroepithelial receptors in the human vomeronasal gland to stimulate autonomic and hypothalamic activity.
The invention relates to estrene steroids, which bind to neuroepithelial receptors. The steroid is preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
The invention relates to estrene steroids, which bind to neuroepithelial receptors. The steroid is preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
The invention relates to a method of altering hypothalamic function in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a human semiochemical, e.g. an Androstane steroid, or a pharmaceutical composition containing a semiochemical, such that the ligand semiochemical binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Other embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing the steroids.
