Uterine estradiol and progesterone receptor concentration in relation to circulating hormone levels and histoarchitecture during high endometrial sensitivity and induced decidualization in guinea pigs

Abstract

Alterations in nuclear and cytosolic estradiol (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor concentration in the antimesometrial (AM) and mesometrial (M) segments of the uterus in relation to circulating hormone levels, histology and surface topography during the period of high endometrial sensitivity and development of trauma-induced decidualization in cyclic guinea pigs were investigated. The period of high endometrial sensitivity (i.e. day 5 of the estrous cycle) was characterized by elevated plasma estradiol and progesterone and their receptors in the nuclear and cytosolic fractions of the uterus. There was, however, no difference in the concentration of these receptors or the surface ultrastructure in the AM and M segments. Unilateral traumatization by scissor cut along the AM length of the uterus on day 5 of the estrous cycle induced decidual cell reaction resulting in a marked increase in weight of the decidualized (traumatized) uterine horn with advancing decidualization to reach maximum levels (926% of the contralateral nontraumatized uterine horn) 7 days after traumatization. This was associated with decidual transformation and a marked increase in nuclear and cytosolic ER and PR concentration in the AM segment of the traumatized uterine horn. An increase in receptor concentration in the M segment of the traumatized uterine horn or the AM segment of the nontraumatized uterine horn was transitory and of a low order. Receptor concentration in the M segment of the nontraumatized uterine horn remained low throughout days 8–12 of the cycle. Findings indicate a possible role of both estradiol and progesterone in induction of endometrial sensitivity and development and maintenance of decidua in the guinea pig.