Effects of progesterone on expression of messenger RNA encoding oxytocin-neurophysin, oxytocin receptor and prostaglandin G/H synthase-1 and -2 during the early oestrous cycle in the ovine corpus luteum

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine whether early progesterone treatment plays a role in the regulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for oxytocin–neurophysin, oxytocin receptor, prostaglandin G/H synthase (PGHS)-1 and PGHS-2 in the ovine corpus luteum. The expression of ovarian oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, PGHS-1 and PGHS-2 mRNA was investigated in control, progesterone- or RU486-treated ewes. Fifteen ewes were randomly assigned to three groups to receive intramuscular injections of progesterone (12.5 mg; n = 5), RU486, (2.5 mg kg^–1 bodyweight; n = 4) or corn oil (1 mL; n =6) twice daily from Day 1 to Day 3 post oestrus. On the morning of Day 4 post oestrus, the corpora lutea were collected and analysed for oxytocin–neurophysin mRNA by Northern blot using a labelled cDNA probe, and for the expressions of the oxytocin receptor, PGHS-1 and PGHS-2 mRNA using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Administration of progesterone or suppression of progesterone activity with RU486 did not affect expression of oxytocin–neurophysin mRNA (P>0.05). Pretreatment of the ewes with progesterone resulted in the enhancement of luteal oxytocin receptor mRNA expression and suppression of PGHS-1 and PGHS-2 mRNA (P<0.001). These results indicate that early progesterone treatment does not control the expression of oxytocin–neurophysin mRNA in the ovine ovary but may be involved in the regulation of ovarian oxytocin receptor and PGHS expression. It is proposed, on the basis of these results, that progesterone may play a role in premature corpus luteum regression through an intra-ovarian mechanism involving the induction of ovarian oxytocin receptor mRNA expression.