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Evidence for a human ovarian progesterone receptor
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 1, 1980
Summary
Researchers identified a heat-labile protein in the ovary that binds progestins, suggesting progesterone may modulate ovarian physiology. This ovarian progesterone receptor discovery has significant implications for reproductive endocrinology.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Estrogens promote ovarian follicular growth, with specific estrogen receptors found in granulosa cells.
- Progesterone receptors exist in other estrogen-responsive tissues, mediating estrogen antagonism.
- Previous research identified an ovarian progesterone receptor in an animal model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a specific ovarian cytoplasmic protein that binds progestins.
- To investigate the potential role of progesterone in modulating ovarian physiology.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of a heat-labile ovarian cytoplasmic protein.
- Measurement of progestin binding affinity using equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd).
- Quantification of protein concentration in ovarian tissue.
Main Results:
- A heat-labile ovarian cytoplasmic protein with high-affinity progestin binding was identified.
- The equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) for progesterone was determined to be 4.8 X 10(-9)M.
- The protein concentration in the ovary was found to be 3.3 X 10(-13) moles/mg of protein.
Conclusions:
- The identified protein exhibits characteristics consistent with an ovarian progesterone receptor.
- The ovary is implied to be a target organ for progesterone.
- Progesterone may play a role in the modulation of ovarian physiology.