Effects of Progesterone on the Oestrogen-Stimulated Uterus: a Comparative Study of the Mouse, Guinea Pig, Rabbit and Sheep

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Abstract
To examine more closely the anti-estrogenic action of progesterone (P), its effect on various parameters in the 17.beta.-estradiol (E2)-primed uterus of the mouse, guinea pig, rabbit and ewe was studied. Changes in uterine wet weight, rate of in vitro protein synthesis, protein:DNA and RNA:DNA ratios, peroxidase activity and the level of cytosol receptors for E2 and P were measured. Considerable between-species differences in the effect of P on these parameters were observed. The anti-uterotrophic action was greater in the mouse than in the guinea pig and was not seen in the rabbit or ewe. P inhibited protein synthesis in the mouse, was without significant effect in the guinea pig and was mildly stimulatory in the rabbit and ewe. Inhibitory effects on protein:DNA and RNA:DNA ratios were substantial in the mouse, minor in the guinea pig and absent in the rabbit and ewe. Peroxidase activity was decreased in the mouse and guinea pig, essentially lacking in the rabbit and not detectable in the ewe. In all species the level of both estrogen and P cytosol receptors was decreased, although the effect on the E2 receptor was less marked in the ewe. In the species studied an effect of P on the replenishment of the E2 receptor evidently is not necessarily associated with other anti-estrogenic actions of P and argue against the concept that initial anti-estrogenic actions of P are mediated via a specific effect on such replenishment.