Serum Levels of a Progestagen-Associated Endometrial Protein during the Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy*

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Abstract
We have previously described the detection and quantitation, by the equilibrium-type RIA, of a progestagen-associated endometrial protein (PEP) in the human endometrium. In this communication, we report the changes in serum levels of PEP during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. PEP was detected by a more sensitive nonequilibrium-type RIA in the luteal phase sera of 12 of the 13 cycling women in whom the corpus luteum (CL) function [as judged by the amount and duration of progesterone (P) secretion] was normal. In each of these 12 subjects, PEP levels peaked during the late luteal phase and after serum P had declined from its peak concentration attained during the midluteal phase. However, PEP was not detected in 1 subject with a normally functioning CL. Also, in 1 subject, CL deficiency was associated with the lack of detectable levels of PEP in the serum. A study of serum levels of PEP and hCG in single samples of 201 women with normal uncomplicated gestation showed a marked increase in concentrations of both PEP and hCG during the first 8–9 weeks of pregnancy. High concentrations of PEP and hCG were maintained until 14–15 weeks of pregnancy, after which the concentrations declined progressively until 18–19 weeks of pregnancy and remained at low levels during the remainder of pregnancy. A longitudinal study of serum concentrations of PEP and hCG in 2 subjects during the first trimester of pregnancy revealed PEP and hCG concentrations similar to those described above. From these studies, we conclude that in infertile women, late luteal phase serum PEP determinations coupled with a basal body temperature chart may provide quantitative information regarding functioning of CL and endometrial responsiveness to P. Furthermore, the data indicate that serum PEP is a useful marker to follow the course of endometrial development during normal and abnormal pregnancies. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab55: 642, 1982)

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