ANDROSTERONE DERIVATIVE INHIBITING LINKAGE OF AP-1 TO DNA AND RESPIRATORY SMOOTH MUSCLE MULTIPLICATION

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To treat asthma by inhibiting the linkage of animal AP-1 to DNA and the respiratory smooth muscle multiplication by administrating an effective dose of a specific steroid to animals. SOLUTION: Asthma is treated by means of inhibiting the linkage of animal AP-1 to DNA and the respiratory smooth muscle multiplication by administrating an effective dose of a compound (preferably 16α-bromo-5-androstene-17 one or the like) of formula I or II (X is a halogen, OH, H or the like; Y is H or OH; Z is a lower alkyl or H) to animals. The effective dose of the compound of formula I or II is preferably 2-1 mg/kg/day in the case of dehydroepiandro-sterone and 0.2-2 mg/kg/day in the case of 16-bromo or fluoro substituted analogue. The administration is preferably carried out by aerosol administration.