Effect of a copper intrauterine contraceptive device and nylon suture on the estradiol 17β-6, 7-H 3 and progesterone 1, 2-H 3 in the rat uterus

Abstract

The effect of an intrauterine copper wire device and nylon suture on the uptake of estradiol 17 β-6, 7-H 3 and progesterone — 1,2-H 3 in rat uterus was investigated by an in vitro method. The estradiol uptake was significantly higher in the contralateral horn when compared to that of the intrauterine contraceptive device horn (IUCD). It is suggested that this may possibly be due to the bilateral effect of the IUCD. The labeled progesterone sensitivity of the uterus was more in the IUCD horn when compared to the contralateral horn of copper treated rats. The nylon suture inserted in the rats did not show any progesterone sensitivity in the IUCD horn and the trend is similar to that of estradiol uptake. Thus, estradiol 17β-6,7-H 3 uptake of the control horn was very high compared to the IUCD horn irrespective of the type of IUCD, nylon suture or copper wire. The significance of an increase in progesterone sensitivity in the in vitro system of the copper-IUD horn is discussed.