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Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model
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Progesterone withdrawal and parturition

Sam Mesiano1

  • 1William H Weir MD Professor of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Biology Case, Western Reserve University, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.

The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|September 12, 2022
PubMed

The steroid hormone progesterone (P4), acting via the nuclear P4 receptors (PRs) in uterine cells, is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. P4/PR signaling maintains pregnancy by promoting uterine quiescence and blocking the contractions of labor. Withdrawal of the P4/PR block to labor induces parturition. The success of pregnancy requires the timely birth of a mature neonate to a healthy mother, and to this end, the mechanism by which the P4/PR block is withdrawn, and how that process is physiologically controlled is critical. This review examines current understanding of cell and molecular biology of P4/PR withdrawal in the control of parturition.

Keywords:
ParturitionPregnancyProgesteroneProgesterone withdrawal

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