Progesterone-mediated suppression of estradiol receptors in cynomolgus macaque cervix, endometrium and oviduct during sequential estradiol-progesterone treatment.

We used sequential treatment with implants of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) to create varied hormonal states in a group of spayed cynomolgus macaques. The reproductive tracts were removed, and nuclear and cytosolic estrogen receptors were analyzed in the cervical mucosa, endometrium, and oviducts. Nuclear receptor quantities were greater in tissues of E2-treated monkeys than in tissues of spayed animals. Sequential P treatment, even in the presence of continuous E2, decreased the amounts of nuclear and cytosolic E2 receptors. In the oviduct and endometrium, the P-mediated suppression of receptors occurred within 1 or 2 days. In the cervix, suppression occurred only if the serum P:E2 ratio was elevated to twice the amount (approximately 100:1) usually found during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (approximately 50:1) in this species. Of these three reproductive tract tissues, the cervix had the highest threshold for suppression by P of E2 receptors in the presence of E2.