Characterization and properties of a progesterone receptor in the uterus of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus).

Abstract

A progesterone receptor system, with a high specificity for progestins, was detected in the uterine tissue of the marsupial, Setonix brachyurus (quokka), using the synthetic progestin 17 alpha, 21-dimethyl-19-nor-4,9-pregnadiene-3,20-dione (R5020). The apparent equilibrium dissociation constant of the ligand binding to the cytosolic component was 2.2 nmol/l, and to the nuclear component 4.8 nmol/l. Significant loss of binding ability of the receptor occurred when cytosol was pretreated with dextran-coated charcoal. All binding studies were performed, therefore, in the presence of endogenous steroid which was demonstrated to affect the dissociation constant but have no effect on the estimation of the concentration of binding sites. Cytosolic binding was increased sixfold by oestradiol-17 beta treatment in vivo, and the translocation of the bound complex into the nucleus was effected by progesterone. It is suggested that the binding component described plays a role in the action of progesterone on the uterine tissue of the quokka.