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.

Keywords:
Estrogen receptor alpha, Progesterone receptor, Androgen receptor, Messenger RNA, Corpus luteum
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