Steroid receptor mRNA levels in human corpus luteum.

To understand the biology of sex steroids in the human corpus luteum, the expression of estrogen receptor alpha, progesterone receptor, and androgen receptor mRNA levels was determined by semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction-Southern blot analysis. Expression of all receptor mRNAs was detected in all samples analyzed. Each steroid receptor mRNA level was significantly lower (p < 0.05) during the late secretory phase than that during the early or the mid-secretory phase of the endometrium. These findings support the concept of a local role for sex steroids in modulating the function and life span of the human corpus luteum.