Mifepristone abortion drug molecule. Computer model of a molecule of mifepristone (ru486),an abortion-inducing drug. The molecule's surface is colour-coded based on the underlying atom: carbon (green),hydrogen (white) and oxygen (red). Mifepristone belongs to a class of drugs known as selective progesterone receptor modulators. It is similar to the hormone progesterone,which is essential to maintain a pregnancy. When taken by a pregnant woman it binds to cells in the same manner as progesterone,thereby blocking the effects of the hormone. The drug is taken on its own in the early stages of pregnancy (up to about 8weeks),but in later stages its use must be combined with a drug to induce contraction of the uterus and expulsion of the foetus | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Evans, Dr. Tim |
Bildgröße: | 4591 px × 3591 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |