Murine progesterone receptor exists predominantly as the 83-kilodalton 'A' form

Progesterone receptors (PgR) are known to exist in two molecular forms commonly designated as 'A' and 'B' forms, and the relative ratio of these two forms has been shown to vary among species. Although the rodent systems were some of the earliest experimental systems used to examine the regulation of PgR, as yet very little is known concerning the molecular composition of PgR in this species. Accordingly, to define the relative ratio of 'A' and 'B' forms in murine PgR, we have analyzed tissue extracts from normal, ovariectomized, and estradiol treated animals by photoaffinity labeling and immunoblotting techniques using a variety of anti-PgR antibodies. Under all experimental conditions, two forms of PgR with approximate molecular weights of 115 kDa ('B' form) and 83 kDa ('A' form) were found. In all tissues examined, the 83 kDa 'A' form was predominant, and this was independent of the hormonal status of the animal and different buffers used to prepare tissue extracts. In uterus the ratio of 'A' to 'B' was 3:1, in vagina it was 2:1, and in mammary glands it more closely resembled the uterus. This leads us to conclude that murine PgR exists predominantly as the 83-kDa 'A' form which may represent a general characteristic of rodent PgR. In this species there may also be some tissue specificity with regard to the absolute ratio of the two forms of PgR.