Effect of Estrogen and Progesterone on Uterine Acid and Alkaline Phosphatase and -Glucuronidase Activity in Mated Ovariectomized Rats

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Abstract
The influences of ovariectomy and hormone replacement therapy on nidation and on uterine phosphatases and [beta] -glucuronidase were studied on the 8th day after mating in rats with unilateral section and ligation of the fallopian tubes ("USLT" rats). No implantation sites were found in either horn of untreated USLT animals which had been ovariectomized on day 1 or day 4. Implantation did occur in the non-ligated uterine horns of intact and ovariectomized USLT rats when the latter were injected daily with suitable doses of 17[beta] -estradiol and/or preogesterone. In all of these animals alkaline phosphatase activity was 10-17 times greater in implantation sites than in inter-implantation areas or in the ligated (non-pregnant) horns. A slight rise in acid phosphatase activity was also observed in implantation sites, whereas [beta] -glucuronidase activity was not influenced by nidation. In ovariectomized USLT animals treated only with the estrogen (not implanted), uterine alkaline phosphatase and [beta] -glucuronidase activities were significantly higher than in similar rats which received progesterone in addition. The data support the view that the alkaline phosphatase in the implantation sites is not the same enzyme as that which is increased by estrogens.