RNA and protein metabolism in the oviduct and endometrium of the ewe at pro-oestrus: Regulation by oestradiol and progesterone.

The effects on RNA and protein metabolism in the oviduct and endometrium at pro-oestrus of oestradiol and progesterone secreted during the oestrous cycle were examined, using the ovariectomized, hormone-treated ewe as a model system. Thirty ewes received hormone injections during a period of 13 days, according to schedules designed to simulate endogenous ovarian secretion of oestradiol and progesterone during the oestrous cycle. Hormone effects on RNA:DNA ratios and on rates of synthesis of protein and methylated RNA in vitro, as well as effects on oviducal and uterine weight, were examined. The results obtained suggest that endogenous ovarian hormones have the following effects in the intact ewe. The secretion of oestradiol at pro-oestrus rapidly increases rates of synthesis of protein and methylated RNA, and mean cell content of RNA in both the endometrium and oviduct. Oestradiol secreted during the previous luteal phase of the oestrous cycle markedly increases mean cell content of RNA and amounts of protein and methylated RNA synthesis occurring in both tissues at pro-oestrus. In the endometrium, progesterone secreted during the luteal phase increases the RNA:DNA ratio, and probably also the amounts of protein and methylated RNA synthesized at pro-oestrus, but there are no significant interactions between the effects of oestradiol and progesterone. Progesterone had no effect on either the amounts or rates of synthesis of protein or methylated RNA in the oviduct. The results are discussed in relation to the hormonal regulation of physiological functions of the oviduct and endometrium during the first few days after the onset of oestrus.