Catecholamine-Induced Stimulation of Progesterone by the Bovine Corpus Luteum in vitro1

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Abstract
The ability of adrenergic receptor agonists and blockers to affect progesterone production by the bovine corpus luteum (CL) in vitro was examined. Epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE) and isoproterenol (IPNE) each caused significant (P<0.025) stimulation of progesterone production by luteal tissue from all animals studied (Days 8 to 16 of the estrous cycle). Phenoxybenzamine failed to inhibit the stimulatory action of E and NE. Propranolol, however, prevented all progesterone production initiated by E, NE, or IPNE. In addition to antagonizing the effects of catecholamines, propranolol also inhibited luteinizing hormone-induced stimulation of progesterone. Phenoxybenzamine did not affect the gonadotropin-induced stimulation.