Abstract
We studied the role of progesterone receptor (PR) in the display of female sexual behavior during postpartum estrus in rats. Adult female rats were treated with the PR antagonist, RU486 (1.25 and 5mg), 3h after parturition and sexual behavior was evaluated throughout the first postpartum day. Estradiol and progesterone serum levels changed during the first 24h postpartum. The highest estradiol and progesterone levels were found at 9 and 12h postpartum, respectively. The predominant PR isoform in the hypothalamus and the preoptic area was PR-A during postpartum day. The content of PR-A increased at 6h postpartum in the hypothalamus and the preoptic area, and decreased in both regions at 9h. PR-B content only increased in the preoptic area at 12h postpartum. The highest display of lordotic and proceptive behaviors were found at 12h postpartum. The treatment with 1.25 and 5mg of RU486 respectively reduced lordosis by 61% and 92% at 12h postpartum. These results suggest that PR is essential in the display of postpartum estrus in rats.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
