A diastereomerically pure series of 7 alpha-thioestratrienes was prepared a
nd evaluated for its affinity for both the human estrogen receptor alpha an
d the more recently discovered estrogen receptor beta. The functional estro
genic activities of the compounds were measured in a MCF-7 ERE-tk-luciferas
e assay. The activities and selectivities of the compounds were sensitive t
o the nature of the thioether side chain. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al
l rights reserved.