Biomaterial Database

Progesterone receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in the primate corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle: possible regulation by progesterone. 1995

D M Duffy, and R L Stouffer

Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Beaverton 97006, USA.

In classical target tissues, progesterone (P) down-regulates its own receptor, yet in the primate corpus luteum, progesterone receptors (PRs) exist within a very high local P milieu. The percentage of luteal cells staining PR-positive by immunocytochemistry is highest at the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle during the period of peak serum P. To investigate the regulation of luteal PRs, we developed a solution hybridization/ribonuclease protection assay for the analysis of PR messenger RNA (mRNA) in macaque corpora lutea (n = 3-4/group). A 332-basepair fragment of the macaque PR complementary DNA corresponding to the hormone-binding region was used as a template for riboprobe production; the specific hybridization of this riboprobe with PR mRNA was confirmed with Northern analysis. P regulation of luteal PR mRNA was investigated by administering trilostane, a 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, to female rhesus macaques beginning on day 6 or 7 of the luteal phase, which reduced serum P until the time of lutectomy. By 18 h after trilostane treatment, luteal PR mRNA levels were significantly elevated compared to untreated control values (mean +/- SEM, 2.0 +/- 0.4 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.3; P < 0.05). Reduction in P levels for 4 days after trilostane administration decreased luteal PR mRNA levels compared with control values (0.50 +/- 0.02 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.2; P < 0.05). To characterize changes in PR mRNA during the lifespan of the corpus luteum, mRNA levels in luteal tissues from the early, mid-, mid-late, and late luteal phases were determined. PR mRNA levels were lowest during the early luteal phase and increased (P < 0.05) 3-fold by the mid-late luteal phase; this higher PR mRNA level was maintained throughout the remainder of the luteal phase. These data indicate that P or a metabolite may acutely regulate primate luteal PR mRNA in a manner consistent with PR regulation in classical P target tissues. In contrast, PR mRNA levels parallel increases in P and PR-positive luteal cells during the early, mid-, and mid-late portions of the luteal phase. High PR mRNA levels are maintained during luteal regression as P and the percentage of PR-positive cells decline, suggesting that PR and PR mRNA are regulated in an asynchronous manner during the lifespan of the corpus luteum in the menstrual cycle.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008253	Macaca mulatta	A species of the genus MACACA inhabiting India, China, and other parts of Asia. The species is used extensively in biomedical research and adapts very well to living with humans.	Chinese Rhesus Macaques,Macaca mulatta lasiota,Monkey, Rhesus,Rhesus Monkey,Rhesus Macaque,Chinese Rhesus Macaque,Macaca mulatta lasiotas,Macaque, Rhesus,Rhesus Macaque, Chinese,Rhesus Macaques,Rhesus Macaques, Chinese,Rhesus Monkeys
D008597	Menstrual Cycle	The period from onset of one menstrual bleeding (MENSTRUATION) to the next in an ovulating woman or female primate. The menstrual cycle is regulated by endocrine interactions of the HYPOTHALAMUS; the PITUITARY GLAND; the ovaries; and the genital tract. The menstrual cycle is divided by OVULATION into two phases. Based on the endocrine status of the OVARY, there is a FOLLICULAR PHASE and a LUTEAL PHASE. Based on the response in the ENDOMETRIUM, the menstrual cycle is divided into a proliferative and a secretory phase.	Endometrial Cycle,Ovarian Cycle,Cycle, Endometrial,Cycle, Menstrual,Cycle, Ovarian,Cycles, Endometrial,Cycles, Menstrual,Cycles, Ovarian,Endometrial Cycles,Menstrual Cycles,Ovarian Cycles
D008969	Molecular Sequence Data	Descriptions of specific amino acid, carbohydrate, or nucleotide sequences which have appeared in the published literature and/or are deposited in and maintained by databanks such as GENBANK, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), National Biomedical Research Foundation (NBRF), or other sequence repositories.	Sequence Data, Molecular,Molecular Sequencing Data,Data, Molecular Sequence,Data, Molecular Sequencing,Sequencing Data, Molecular
D011374	Progesterone	The major progestational steroid that is secreted primarily by the CORPUS LUTEUM and the PLACENTA. Progesterone acts on the UTERUS, the MAMMARY GLANDS and the BRAIN. It is required in EMBRYO IMPLANTATION; PREGNANCY maintenance, and the development of mammary tissue for MILK production. Progesterone, converted from PREGNENOLONE, also serves as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of GONADAL STEROID HORMONES and adrenal CORTICOSTEROIDS.	Pregnenedione,Progesterone, (13 alpha,17 alpha)-(+-)-Isomer,Progesterone, (17 alpha)-Isomer,Progesterone, (9 beta,10 alpha)-Isomer
D011980	Receptors, Progesterone	Specific proteins found in or on cells of progesterone target tissues that specifically combine with progesterone. The cytosol progesterone-receptor complex then associates with the nucleic acids to initiate protein synthesis. There are two kinds of progesterone receptors, A and B. Both are induced by estrogen and have short half-lives.	Progesterone Receptors,Progestin Receptor,Progestin Receptors,Receptor, Progesterone,Receptors, Progestin,Progesterone Receptor,Receptor, Progestin
D003338	Corpus Luteum	The yellow body derived from the ruptured OVARIAN FOLLICLE after OVULATION. The process of corpus luteum formation, LUTEINIZATION, is regulated by LUTEINIZING HORMONE.	Corpora Lutea,Lutea, Corpora
D005260	Female		Females
D005786	Gene Expression Regulation	Any of the processes by which nuclear, cytoplasmic, or intercellular factors influence the differential control (induction or repression) of gene action at the level of transcription or translation.	Gene Action Regulation,Regulation of Gene Expression,Expression Regulation, Gene,Regulation, Gene Action,Regulation, Gene Expression
D006107	Granulosa Cells	Supporting cells for the developing female gamete in the OVARY. They are derived from the coelomic epithelial cells of the gonadal ridge. Granulosa cells form a single layer around the OOCYTE in the primordial ovarian follicle and advance to form a multilayered cumulus oophorus surrounding the OVUM in the Graafian follicle. The major functions of granulosa cells include the production of steroids and LH receptors (RECEPTORS, LH).	Cell, Granulosa,Cells, Granulosa,Granulosa Cell
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia