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Progesterone receptors in rat thymus.

P T Pearce, B A Khalid, J W Funder

|October 1, 1983

Summary

Researchers identified progesterone receptors (PR) in rat thymus cytosol, demonstrating high affinity and specificity. Estrogen increased PR levels, while progesterone administration and pregnancy decreased them, suggesting direct progesterone effects on the thymus.

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Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Immunology
Molecular Biology

Background:

The thymus gland is known to be influenced by glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens.
The presence and function of progesterone receptors (PR) in the thymus have not been well-characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the presence and characteristics of progesterone receptors (PR) in rat thymus cytosol.
To explore the regulation of thymic PR levels by estrogen, progesterone, and pregnancy.

Main Methods:

Cytosol from male and female rat thymuses was incubated with tritiated promegestone ([3H]R5020) in the presence of RU26988 to block glucocorticoid receptors.
Binding affinity and specificity of [3H]R5020 were assessed.
PR levels were quantified in control rats, estrogen-treated rats, estrogen-primed rats receiving progesterone, and pregnant rats.

Main Results:

High-affinity binding of [3H]R5020 to PR was detected in rat thymus cytosol, with specificity for progesterone over other steroids.
PR were predominantly found in the epithelioid fraction of the thymus.
Estrogen administration significantly increased thymic PR levels in both male and female rats.
Progesterone administration to estrogen-primed rats acutely lowered thymic PR levels.
Thymic PR levels were reduced by approximately 50% in pregnant rats.

Conclusions:

The thymus gland possesses specific progesterone receptors (PR).
Thymic PR levels are modulated by estrogen, progesterone, and pregnancy status.
The presence of PR suggests potential direct effects of progesterone on thymus function.

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