| abstract |
The invention provides a method for controlling mammalian body weight using a compound of the formula [E-DHC](I) or a non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein [E] is an estrogen and [DHC] is the reduced, biooxidizable, blood-brain barrier penetrating, lipoidal form of a dihydropyridine-><-pyridinium salt redox carrier. Novel compositions for weight control comprising a compound of formula (I) or its salt are also disclosed. A preferred compound for use in the subject method and compositions is an estradiol derivative, namely, 17 beta -[(1-methyl-1,4-dihydro-3-pyridinyl)carbonyloxy]estra-1,3,5(10)-trien- 3-ol. |