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[The role of progesterone in human early pregnancy is mediated by insulin-like growth factors binding protein1-3].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the functional role of progesterone in human early pregnancy is mediated by progesterone receptor(PR) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1-3(IGFBP1-3). METHODS: Sample collection was conducted in accordance to the principle of informed content. Decidua and villi were obtained from 48 healthy women in 5-7 weeks of pregnancy, and endometrium in mid-secretory phase was obtained as control. The serum levels of progesterone were detected by radioimmunoassay, and the expressions of IGFBP1-3 and progesterone receptor were detected by immunohistochemistry (LsAB)and quantified by a computer image analysis system. RESULTS: Serum progesterone increased gradually and reached peak level in 5-6 weeks, which was significantly higher than that during the mid-secretory phase (P<0.05). The expression of progesterone receptor in luminal epithelium and decidual cells had significant correlations with serum progesterone, but its expression in glandular epithelium and trophoblast cells had no correlations with serum progesterone. IGFBP1-3 in luminal, glandular epithelium, and decidual cells had significant correlations with serum progesterone, but their expression in trophoblast cells had no correlations with serum progesterone. CONCLUSION: Progesterone plays an important role in the support and maintenance of early pregnancy, and its effect may be mediated by progesterone receptor and IGFBP1-3, in decidual-trophoblast interface.

Adult↗

Resolution of high and low affinity progesterone receptors from human breast carcinoma T47D cells.

Each of four independent experimental approaches showed that human breast carcinoma T47D cells contain both high and low affinity progesterone receptors. (i) Equilibrium-specific [3H]progesterone binding to adherent cultured cells revealed dissociation constants (Kd) of 1.5 and 60 nM and 0.33 and 2.4 X 10(6) sites/cell, respectively. Both the high and low affinity receptors were specific for progestins as demonstrated by steroid binding competition studies conducted at 5 and 50 nM [3H]progesterone. (ii) Equilibrium [3H]progesterone binding to the resolved soluble and particulate fractions from a cell homogenate sedimented at 40,000 X g.min revealed Kd = 1.4 nM high affinity binding sites exclusively in the supernatant fraction and Kd = 24 nM low affinity sites exclusively in the particulate fraction. Extraction of the particulate fraction with a high ionic strength buffer solubilized the low affinity receptors stoichiometrically; but once solubilized, they displayed Kd = 2.4 nM high affinity progesterone binding. Characterizations of 3H-ligand bound specifically to progesterone receptors in intact cells or resolved subcellular fractions revealed no [3H]progesterone metabolites that could account for the low affinity binding. (iii) Calculations based on the rate constants of [3H] progesterone association with or dissociation from adherent cells revealed the same dissociation constants for both high and low affinity binding as those determined by equilibrium measurements. (iv) Nonionic detergent extraction of cells incubated with a wide range of [3H]progesterone concentrations revealed high affinity progesterone binding to receptors in the detergent-soluble fraction and low affinity binding associated primarily with the particulate residue, consistent with the data on equilibrium progesterone binding to resolved cell homogenate fractions. The rate of extraction of the high affinity receptor-progesterone complex with nonionic detergent (t1/2 = 1 min at 0 degrees C) equaled the rate of extraction of a representative lysosomal enzyme, beta-acetylglucosaminidase.

Binding, Competitive↗

Effects of sex steroid hormones on the human endometrial carcinoma transplanted endometrial carcinoma transplanted into nude mice. Estrogen priming aimed at the enhancement of tumor tissue-sensitivity to progesterone.

A study aimed at the enhancement of endometrial carcinoma tissue-sensitivity to progesterone by estrogen priming involved the serial transplantation of human moderately-differentiated endometrial carcinoma into nude mice in which estradiol receptors were detectable but progesterone receptors undetectable. Quantitative induction of cytosol progesterone receptors occurred in the groups receiving a small dose of estradiol concomitantly with progesterone but not in the groups receiving estradiol alone and progesterone alone. Ultrastructurally, the effects of progesterone tended to be more conspicuous in these concomitantly treated groups than in the progesterone-treated group in respect of an increase in the number of lysosomes and lipid droplets and appearance of secretory granules and other vesicles. Suppression of tumor growth was evident in the progesterone-treated group and in the concomitantly treated groups as compared with the control group, and the effect was somewhat more pronounced in the latter groups. The present data suggest that the administration of a small dose of estradiol concomitantly with progesterone is more effective than that of progesterone alone in gestagen therapy for endometrial carcinoma, when it is assumed that the progesterone effects on endometrial carcinoma are mediated primarily by progesterone receptors.

Animals↗

Regulation of nuclear binding of the avian oviduct progesterone receptor. Changes during estrogen-induced oviduct development, withdrawal, and secondary stimulation.

The progesterone receptors from various stages of estrogen induced oviduct development, estrogen withdrawal, and secondary stimulation with estrogen were examined. The progesterone receptors were characterized for their biological function (i.e. capacity for nuclear translocation, nuclear binding, and effects on RNA polymerase II activity) as well as certain physical properties. The progesterone receptors from the undeveloped or partially developed oviducts (0 to 8 days of estrogen treatment) displayed little or no nuclear translocation and binding in vivo or in vitro. Similarly, progesterone showed little or no effect in vivo on RNA polymerase II activity at the early stages of development. As development progressed from 8 to 12 days of estrogen treatment, the above parameters rapidly increased to maximal levels and plateaued through day 23 of estrogen treatment. A marked decrease in these parameters occurred within 1 day of estrogen withdrawal. The reverse series of events occurred during secondary estrogen stimulation of 10-day-old withdrawn chicks. While the receptor concentrations increased rapidly to maximum values by 2 days of restimulation, receptor function did not return until day 4. Similarly, the effects of progesterone on RNA polymerase II activity reached maximal values by day 4. The progesterone receptor isolated from oviducts during development, estrogen withdrawal, and restimulation, displayed similar patterns of cell-free binding to chromatin and nucleoacidic protein as that observed in vivo supporting the nativeness of the in vitro binding assay. In contrast, the cell-free binding of these same progesterone receptor to pure DNA were not similar to the in vivo binding, i.e. no patterns (differences) in progesterone receptor binding were observed. These data support that protein DNA complexes and not pure DNA represent the native acceptor sites for oviduct progesterone receptor. Comparison of the progesterone receptor between the functional and nonfunctional states revealed no differences in the steroid affinity for the receptor, in the apparent pI of the species, or in the sedimentation of the receptor under high salt conditions. However, the nonfunctional receptors consistently displayed a deficiency in one of the two monomer molecular species (the B species) as determined by isoelectric focusing. These results suggest that both monomer species of progesterone receptor are required for biological activity. Interestingly, the 7S "aggregate" species of the progesterone receptor was constantly detected even when only one of the monomer species was present.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Aging↗

Progesterone and testosterone hydroxylation by cytochromes P450 2C19, 2C9, and 3A4 in human liver microsomes.

Roles of human cytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP) 2C9, 2C19, and 3A4 in the oxidation of progesterone and testosterone were studied in recombinant P450 enzymes and in human liver microsomes. In vitro inhibition experiments showed that progesterone and its 17alpha- and 21-hydroxylated metabolites and 11-deoxycortisol suppressed the CYP2C19-dependent R-warfarin 7-hydroxylation activities, with progesterone being the most active. These steroid chemicals also inhibited CYP2C9-dependent S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation activities though lesser extents seen with those in CYP2C19 enzyme. Progesterone was found to be a competitive inhibitor of CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 in human liver microsomes. Recombinant CYP2C19 catalyzed progesterone to form 21-hydroxyprogesterone as a major product and 16alpha- and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone as minor products. CYP2C9 also had progesterone 21-hydroxylation activities, although the activities were lower than those catalyzed by CYP2C19. Vmax/Km ratios for the progesterone 21-hydroxylation activity of CYP2C19 were determined to be 13- and 32-fold higher than those of CYP2C9 and 3A4, respectively. CYP3A4 oxidized progesterone to form 16alpha-, 6beta-, and 2beta-hydroxyprogesterone as major products and 21-hydroxyprogesterone as a minor product, but did not produce detectable levels of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. Immunoinhibition experiments suggested that anti-CYP2C9 (which inhibits both CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 catalytic activities) suppressed the progesterone 21-hydroxylation activities catalyzed by liver microsomes of humans and monkeys and that anti-CYP2C11 inhibited the progesterone 21-hydroxylation activities catalyzed by liver microsomes of male rats. CYP2C19 was also found to oxidize testosterone at 17-position to form androstenedione. Androstenedione formation catalyzed by liver microsomes of humans and monkeys and of male rats was suppressed by anti-CYP2C9 and anti-CYP2C11, respectively. These results suggest that CYP2C19 plays important roles in the oxidation of progesterone and testosterone in human liver microsomes, although the physiological significance of these metabolic pathways remains unclear. CYP2C9 may have some, but lesser extent than those by CYP2C19, of the catalytic roles for the metabolism of progesterone and testosterone by human liver microsomes.

Androstenedione↗

Characterization of progesterone-binding moieties in the little skate Raja erinacea.

In this study we report evidence of a [3H]progesterone-binding moiety in the liver and oviduct of the little skate Raja erinacea. It is characterized by high affinity, low capacity and DNA-cellulose-binding activity. Furthermore Western blot analysis revealed that monoclonal antibodies against the chicken progesterone receptor (PR) subunits A and B cross-reacted with a 110-kDa band in the liver and a 80-kDa band in the oviduct. When analyzed by DEAE-Sepharose ion-exchange column chromatography, [3H]progesterone-binding molecules resolved into two peaks, one nonadherent and one adherent to the column. The liver adherent peak eluted in a linear gradient at a NaCl concentration of about 0.07 M and resolved on Western blot as a single band of a 110 kDa. The oviduct adherent peak eluted at about 0.14 M NaCl and resolved on Western blot as a single band of 80 kDa. Competition studies showed that the progesterone-binding moiety in the cytosol was specific for progesterone. On the contrary, the nuclear component is not specific for progesterone; it also binds testosterone and estradiol 17 beta in the oviduct, and progesterone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estradiol 17 beta, mibolerone, and R5020 in the liver. The [3H]progesterone-binding activity was monitored in both liver and oviduct of females in different reproductive stages. Females were separated into three groups; laying, nonlaying, and immature. [3H]Progesterone-binding activity levels were higher in the liver of immature than of nonlaying skates, and it was undetectable in laying skates. [3H]Progesterone binding was higher in the oviduct of laying and nonlaying skates than of immature skates. This PR-binding moiety has many characteristics of a true receptor: high affinity, low capacity, binds to DNA, and cross-reacts with antibodies against chicken PR. However, while the cytosolic form of this progesterone-binding component was quite specific for P, nuclear extracted material was nonspecific. If these progesterone-binding components are homologous with the PR A and PR B forms of other vertebrates, as we believe, it is clear that there are species differences that probably relate to phylogenetic level and physiology of the organism.

Animals↗

The effects of oral administration of progesterone for premature labor.

The potential tocolytic effect of natural progesterone administration on premature labor was investigated in a double-blind study. An oral progesterone formulation was used because its ability to increase both plasma and myometrial concentration of progesterone in pregnant women had been previously demonstrated. Furthermore, no commercial intravenous or intramuscular natural progesterone formulation is currently available in France. Fifty-seven patients in two obstetric clinics, admitted because of the risk of premature delivery, were included in the study, and uterine contractility and fetal cardiac rhythm were monitored in all of them. At random and after 30 minutes' rest, 29 women absorbed four capsules of 100 mg of progesterone each and 28 women absorbed four capsules of a placebo. Plasma progesterone levels were evaluated in all cases after 30 minutes' rest and 1 hour after absorption of the capsules. The results showed that bed rest and placebo administration decrease uterine activity in 42% of the cases and oral progesterone decreases activity in 75% to 88% of cases, depending on the initial severity of the menace of premature delivery. The difference between the effects of progesterone and of placebo is significant. The tocolytic effect of oral progesterone is not as intense or as rapid as the effect of intravenous beta-mimetics but is sufficient in 80% of cases, on the average, to stop the premature labor without any detectable side effects. This tocolytic effect of oral progesterone is related not just to an increase in plasma progesterone levels but probably to an increase in myometrial progesterone concentration.

Administration, Oral↗

The metabolic clearance rate, head and brain extractions, and brain distribution and metabolism of progesterone in the anesthetized, female monkey (Macaca mulatta).

The brain distribution and metabolism of progesterone were studied in female, rhesus monkeys. Adult monkeys were anesthetized with ketamine and were given a constant infusion of [3H]- or [14C] progesterone. Blood samples were obtained from cannulae inserted into the carotid artery, the jugular vein and lateral (transverse) sinus. The metabolic clearance rate of progesterone was 295 +/- 49 (S.E.) 1/day. The head extraction of progesterone was 30.4 +/- 8.3% (S.E.) and the brain extraction 26.0 +/- 9.18% (S.E.). The peripheral conversion ratios of progesterone to 20alpha-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (20alpha-OHP) and 5alpha-pregnan-3,20-dione (5alpha-DHP) were 10.0 +/- 1.3% (S.E.) and 2.4 +/- 0.3% (S.E.), respectively. These same conversion ratios for across the head were 4.8 +/- 1.0% (S.E.) and 1.5 +/- 0.6% (S.E.) and for across the brain 5.0 +/- 0.7% (S.E.) and 2.2 +/- 0.6% (S.E.). The concentration of radioactive progesterone was 2-5 times higher in brain tissues compared to the carotid arterial blood. The tissue concentrations of radioactive progesterone compared to a cerebrum 'control' sample: was lower in the central gray (P less than 0.05); were the same for the amygdala, hippocampus, preoptic-anterior hypothalamus, cerebellum, hypothalamus, thalamus, and anterior pituitary; and were higher in the cervical spinal cord, optic chiasm, mesencephalon, medulla oblongata and pons (P less than 0.1). The distribution pattern of 20alpha-OHP formed from progesterone was similar to that of progesterone. 5alpha-DHP formed from progesterone had a different distribution than progesterone, being highest in the central gray area. High concentrations of 5alpha-DHP were also observed in the mesencephalon, medulla oblongata and hypothalamus and low values in the anterior pituitary. Infusions of [3H]20alpha-OHP and [3H]5alpha-DHP were used to evaluate the in vivo metabolism of progesterone by different brain areas. [3H]Estradiol infused into one monkey had its highest concentration in the anterior pituitary which was 20 times higher than in the carotid arterial blood.

Amygdala↗

Role of cAMP in modulating intrafollicular progesterone levels and oocyte maturation in amphibians (Rana pipiens).

The role of cAMP in regulating follicular progesterone levels and oocyte maturation was investigated following in vitro culture of amphibian (Rana pipiens) ovarian follicles. Intrafollicular levels of cAMP were manipulated with the use of a stimulator of cAMP synthesis (forskolin) or by exogenous addition of cAMP alone or either of these in combination with an inhibitor of cAMP catabolism (3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine, IBMX). Follicular progesterone content was determined by RIA and oocyte maturation was assessed cytologically. In the presence of increasing doses of forskolin (0-3 microM), cAMP (0-3 mM), or dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP, 0-2.5 mM) increasing but low levels of progesterone were detected. Increasing doses of IBMX (0-0.09 mM) alone had no significant effect on follicular steroid content. Exogenous cAMP, dbcAMP, or IBMX (0.09 mM) suppressed hormone-induced oocyte maturation. Simultaneous exposure of follicles to increasing doses of both forskolin (0-3 microM) and IBMX (0-0.09 mM) markedly increased intrafollicular progesterone levels to those produced by frog pituitary homogenate (FPH). A marked increase in progesterone levels also occurred when follicles were exposed to exogenous cAMP (3 mM) and IBMX (0.09 mM). These results indicate that exogenous cAMP is incorporated by follicle cells and that forskolin effects are mediated through cAMP. Changes in follicular progesterone levels (increase and decrease) over time following FPH or cAMP manipulation (cAMP + IBMX or forskolin + IBMX) were essentially identical. In contrast to cAMP, cGMP was inactive in inhibiting hormone induced GVBD or stimulating follicular progesterone accumulation. Elevation of follicular and medium levels of progesterone resulting from FPH or cAMP stimulation required the presence of the somatic follicular cells. The decrease in follicular progesterone levels with prolonged culture was not associated with a corresponding increase in progesterone levels in the medium. The decrease in follicular progesterone levels appears to reflect steroid catabolism rather than loss of steroid to the culture medium. The results suggest that the level of intracellular cAMP in the follicle cells is modulated by the relative activity of the adenylate cyclase system and phosphodiesterase and that FPH can affect both components. Thus, intracellular levels of cAMP play a key role in regulating follicular progesterone levels and FPH action on the follicle cells. The steroidogenic capacity of follicle cells can be manipulated independently of FPH stimulation.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Integration of the effects of estradiol and progesterone in the modulation of gonadotropin secretion.

Estradiol secreted by the maturing follicle is the primary trigger for the surge of gonadotropins leading to ovulation. Progesterone has stimulatory or inhibitory actions on this estrogen-induced gonadotropin surge depending upon the time and dose of administration. The administration of progesterone to immature ovariectomized rats primed with a low dose of estradiol induced a well-defined LH surge and prolonged FSH release, a pattern similar to the proestrus surge of gonadotropins. A physiological role of progesterone is indicated in the normal ovulatory process because a single injection of the progesterone antagonist RU 486 on the day of proestrus in the adult cycling rat and on the day of the gonadotropin surge in the pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin stimulated immature rat resulted in an attenuated gonadotropin surge and reduced the number of ova per ovulating rat. Progesterone administration brought about a rapid LHRH release and an decrease in nuclear accumulation of estrogen receptors in the anterior pituitary but not the hypothalamus. The progesterone effect was demonstrated in vitro in the uterus and anterior pituitary and appears to be confined to occupied estradiol nuclear receptors. In in vivo experiments the progesterone effect on estradiol nuclear receptors appeared to be of approximately 2-h duration, which coincided with the time period of progesterone nuclear receptor accumulation after a single injection of progesterone. During the period of progesterone effects on nuclear estrogen receptors, the ability of estrogens to induce progesterone receptors was impaired. Based on the above results, a model is proposed for the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of progesterone on gonadotropin secretion.

Animals↗

Inhibition of induction of 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in rat corpora lutea in vitro by the progesterone antagonist RU486.

To determine if the antiprogestagen RU486 has a direct effect on luteal progesterone secretion, whole corpora lutea or dispersed luteal cells were incubated in the presence of RU486. Whole corpora lutea, isolated from rats at day 5 of pseudopregnancy, were incubated individually in hormone-free medium. The concentrations of progesterone and 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone in the medium plus corpus luteum was measured before and after 24 h of incubation. In the absence of RU486 the concentration of 20 alpha-dihydro-progesterone increased, while that of progesterone remained unchanged. In the presence of RU486 (230 microM) the concentration of both progesterone and 20 alpha-dihydro-progesterone was increased. Dispersed luteal cells were incubated for 24 h in the presence of various amounts of RU486. In the absence and in the presence of 0.2 and 2.3 microM RU486 a high ratio between 20 alpha-dihydro-progesterone and progesterone was found, while in the presence of 23 microM RU486 the concentrations of progesterone and 20 alpha-dihydro-progesterone were equal. 20 alpha-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20 alpha-HSD) activity measured in luteal homogenates started to increase between 6 and 12 h of incubation. This increase could be prevented after incubation of the corpora lutea in the presence of 23 or 230 microM RU486 for 24 hrs. It is concluded that the progesterone antagonist RU486 can have a direct effect on luteal progesterone production. RU486 prevents the increase in 20 alpha-HSD activity that normally occurs during in vitro incubation. However, since these effects in vitro can only be obtained with high concentrations of RU486, it is unlikely that this antiluteolytic effect plays a role after injection of RU486 in vivo.

20-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Relationship between allopregnanolone and negative mood in postmenopausal women taking sequential hormone replacement therapy with vaginal progesterone.

OBJECTIVE: To compare severity of negative mood and physical symptoms between women with different progesterone, allopregnanolone, and pregnanolone plasma concentrations during sequential Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with vaginal progesterone suppositories. DESIGN: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. METHOD: Postmenopausal women (n=36) with climacteric symptoms were treated with 2mg estradiol daily during three 28-day cycles. Vaginal progesterone suppositories with 400, 800 mg/day or placebo were added sequentially for 14 days per cycle. Daily symptom ratings using a validated rating scale were kept. Blood samples for progesterone, allopregnanolone, and pregnanolone radioimmunoassays were collected during each treatment cycle. RESULTS: Women were divided into three groups (low, medium, and high) based on plasma allopregnanolone concentration during progesterone treatment. The concentration of allopregnanolone in the medium group corresponds to the concentration seen during the mid luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Within women with medium allopregnanolone concentration significantly more negative mood and physical symptoms were rated during progesterone treatment compared to treatment with unopposed estrogen or placebo. Between women significantly more negative mood symptoms were seen during progesterone treatment cycles with medium allopregnanolone concentration compared to cycles with low concentration. Plasma progesterone, allopregnanolone, and pregnanolone concentrations increased with increasing progesterone dose. Progesterone and allopregnanolone plasma concentrations increased 2h after vaginal administration of progesterone at 400 and 800 mg/day. CONCLUSION: Vaginal progesterone in sequential HRT causes negative mood, most likely mediated via allopregnanolone.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

In vitro conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone in human term placenta and fetal membranes before and after onset of labor.

To determine the role of placental progesterone in the onset of labor, tissue progesterone concentrations and in vitro conversion of tritiated pregnenolone to progesterone were examined in the placentas, chorion, and amnion of 12 term pregnancies delivered by cesarean section with or without labor and vaginal delivery. In all instances, the placenta had significantly higher progesterone concentrations than the chorion or amnion. Progesterone concentrations in the chorion were significantly lower after the onset of labor than before. The placenta and chorion but not the amnion converted pregnenolone to progesterone; the placenta had a significantly greater conversion rate than the chorion in all instances. Placental conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone increased significantly after labor to reach a maximum with vaginal delivery. Chorionic conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone was significantly increased after vaginal delivery but was similar after cesarean section with or without labor. The reduced tissue progesterone in the chorion, together with enhanced placental and chorionic production of progesterone from its precursor, pregnenolone, suggest that rapid metabolism and increased binding of progesterone locally in the placenta and membranes may lead to the local withdrawal or decline of progesterone and onset of labor.

Cesarean Section↗

Crinone 8% (90 mg) given once daily for progesterone replacement therapy in donor egg cycles.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether once-daily dosing of Crinone 8% (90-mg progesterone vaginal gel; Serono Laboratories, Inc., Norwell, MA) is sufficient for normal endometrial development and pregnancy support. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENT(S): Eighty-six women who required complete progesterone replacement for a donor egg cycle. INTERVENTION(S): Crinone 8% (90 mg) once daily or IM progesterone (100 mg) once daily was administered from day 15 onward. Both groups underwent an endometrial biopsy on day 26 of a mock cycle, followed by a second cycle in which ET was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Endometrial development, serum progesterone levels, pregnancy rates, implantation rates, and bleeding patterns. RESULT(S): Mean (+/-SD) serum progesterone levels on day 26 were 11.3+/-6.5 ng/mL in the Crinone group and 65.2+/-12.5 ng/mL in the IM progesterone group. At histologic examination, endometrial biopsy specimens were found to be "in phase" for 100% (42/42) of women in the Crinone group and 95.5% (42/44) of women in the IM progesterone group. Although 8 of 42 patients had serum progesterone levels of <6 ng/mL, there was no correlation with endometrial development. Only 1 patient bled before the 14th day of progesterone therapy, and she went on to be delivered of twins. Clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, implantation, and miscarriage rates were not statistically different for the Crinone and IM progesterone groups: 45.6% (21/46) versus 52.3% (23/44); 39.1% (18/46) versus 40.9% (18/44); 21.5% (34/158) versus 19% (30/158), and 14.3% (3/21) versus 22% (5/23), respectively. Power was sufficient to detect a 25% difference in clinical pregnancy rates. CONCLUSION(S): Crinone 8% administered once daily appears to produce the same endometrial development and pregnancy rates as IM progesterone in women who require complete progesterone replacement, and it does not cause early bleeding.

Adult↗

Acute reduction in serum progesterone concentrations after feed intake in dairy cows.

This study tested the hypothesis that high feed consumption will acutely decrease circulating progesterone concentrations. In the first experiment, a Latin Square design was used to test whether feeding pattern would alter circulating progesterone in pregnant lactating Holstein cows (n = 12). Feed was removed for 12h before the experiment and cows were then either fed 100% of the total mixed ration (TMR), 50% of TMR every 12h, 25% of TMR every 6h, or left unfed for an additional 12h. Blood samples were taken every hour for 24h. Provision of 100 or 50% of TMR decreased circulating progesterone by 1h after feeding and progesterone remained depressed until 8-9h after feeding. Feeding 25% of TMR did not reduce circulating progesterone concentrations. Experiment 2 used a crossover design to measure the effect of acute feeding on circulating progesterone and LH concentrations during delivery of a constant amount of exogenous progesterone (Eazi-Breed CIDRs) in lactating Holstein cows (n = 8) and nonpregnant dry Holstein cows (n = 6). Blood samples were taken every 15min for 8h. There was no change in serum progesterone during the 8h treatment period in unfed cows; however, feeding decreased (P<0.05) circulating progesterone between 2 and 6h after feeding. In lactating cows, feeding increased mean LH (P<0.05). There were more LH pulses (P = 0.01) in lactating than nonlactating cows. Thus, acute feeding reduced circulating progesterone in pregnant lactating cows apparently due to an increase in progesterone metabolism. Interestingly, feeding multiple smaller meals eliminated the acute effect of feeding on circulating progesterone.

Animals↗

Anti-seizure effects of progesterone and 3alpha,5alpha-THP in kainic acid and perforant pathway models of epilepsy.

The mechanism by which progesterone has its anti-seizure effects is unknown. Progesterone has a high affinity for intracellular progestin receptors, but has weak actions at gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptors complexes. The progesterone metabolite, 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP) is devoid of activity at intracellular progestin receptors but is a highly effective modulator of GABA(A) receptor complexes. Whether progesterones anti-seizure actions are due to effects of progesterone itself or its metabolite 3alpha,5alpha-THP was investigated. In experiment 1, 25 ovariectomized Long-Evans rats were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with 0.0, 4.0 or 8.0 mg/kg progesterone or 3alpha,5alpha-THP, 10 min prior to systemic administration of 32 mg/kg kainic acid. Four and 8.0 mg/kg progesterone significantly reduced the duration of partial and full seizures, without influencing the latency to partial or full seizures, or the number of partial or full seizures. 3alpha, 5alpha-THP (4.0 mg/kg) significantly increased the latency to initial partial seizure, and decreased the number and duration of partial seizures. In experiment 2, 60 ovariectomized Long-Evans rats were stereotaxically implanted with bipolar electrodes into the perforant pathway. Prior to perforant pathway stimulation, rats were s.c. injected with either progesterone (4.0 mg/kg, n = 12), 3alpha, 5alpha-THP (4.0 mg/kg, n = 13), progesterone (4.0 mg/kg)+4MA (10.0 mg of a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, 17b-N, N-diethylcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza,5alpha-androstan-3-one, n = 12), 4MA+vehicle (n = 10), or sesame oil vehicle (n = 13). Administration of progesterone or 3alpha, 5alpha-THP, but not vehicle control, P+4MA, or 4MA, resulted in significant decreases in partial seizures. In experiment 3, whole brain progesterone and 3alpha,5alpha-THP were measured by radioimmunoassay in additional rats (n = 66) administered the hormonal milieu indicated in experiments 1 and 2. Data suggest anti-seizure effects of progesterone may be due, in part, to metabolism to 3alpha,5alpha-THP and subsequent actions at GABA(A) receptor complexes.

Animals↗

Relationships among milk progesterone, concentrate allocation, energy balance, milk yield and conception rate in Norwegian cattle.

Relationships among milk progesterone, concentrate allocation, energy balance (EB), milk yield and conception rate were studied in 146 lactations in 94 moderate yielding cows. All animals were of the dual purpose breed Norwegian cattle, and were monitored through their first and second lactations. The cows were assigned three different concentrate allocations and had free access to grass silage. Energy balance was estimated by subtracting energy required for maintenance and lactation from energy intake. Milk progesterone concentration was determined three times weekly from calving until pregnancy. The cumulative progesterone concentration was calculated as area under the progesterone curve for the first three luteal phases postpartum. The conception rate increased linearly by rising milk progesterone for values of cumulative progesterone in the lowest third of the range, whereas the likelihood of conception did not differ between milk progesterone concentrations within the upper two-thirds. This implies that the progesterone values were below a threshold value for optimal reproductive success in one-third of the services performed in this study. Milk progesterone concentrations during the third luteal phase postpartum were low when the high-energy diet was fed. Negative EB was associated with reduced values for milk progesterone during the third luteal phase in second parity cows. Likewise, milk yield was inversely related to progesterone levels during both the first and third luteal phases postpartum in second parity cows. Energy balance was higher and milk yield lower during peak lactation among second parity cows that conceived compared to cows that remained open after the first artificial insemination. The present study have demonstrated an association between likelihood of conception and the energy coverage in Norwegian cattle. This relationship is possibly mediated through progesterone deficiency.

Animals↗

Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis and its manifestation as anaphylaxis: a case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is a rare cyclic premenstrual reaction to progesterone produced during the luteal phase of a woman's menstrual cycle with a variety of presentations including erythema multiforme, eczema, urticaria, angioedema, and progesterone-induced anaphylaxis. We present a case of progesterone-induced anaphylaxis and a review of literature focusing on its diagnosis and therapy. DATA SOURCES: We surveyed all the literature in English back to 1921 when the first case was published. First, we researched the terms progesterone anaphylaxis, autoimmune progesterone dermatitis, cyclic urticaria, using the PubMed resource. Then we included articles found within these publications' reference sections. STUDY SELECTION: We selected articles based on whether the cases described appeared to fit the description of the entity autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. All cases included had dermatologic reactions occurring during the luteal phase of the menstrual period, positive skin or intramuscular reactions to progesterone, and treatment amenable to anovulatory agents and/or hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. RESULTS: We found approximately 50 published cases of autoimmune progesterone dermatitis, and only nine known cases of its manifestation as anaphylaxis. These cases, including the case described by us, are summarized, and successful diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the literature are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is a rare entity associated with progesterone production of the luteal phase of a woman's menstrual cycle. It can be diagnosed using intradermal or intramuscular progesterone tests and can be treated by disrupting the ovulation cycle using specific medications or by oopherectomy.

Adult↗