Effects of RU486 in the expression of progesterone receptor isoforms in the hypothalamus and the preoptic area of the rat during postpartum estrus

In several mammalian species females undergo postpartum estrus, a brief period of ovulation and sexual receptivity that in rats usually occurs during the first 24 h following parturition. The maximal lordotic expression occurs at 12 h after the initiation of parturition and depends on intracellular progesterone receptor (PR). We studied the regulation of PR expression by its antagonist, RU486 in the hypothalamus and the preoptic area of the rat during postpartum estrus by Western blot. Adult female rats were treated with RU486 (1.25 and 5 mg) 3 h after parturition, and Western blot was performed to assess the expression of PR-A and PR-B at 12 h postpartum. RU486 (1.25 and 5 mg) reduced the expression of PR-A (63% and 95%) and that of PR-B (75% and 99%), respectively in the preoptic area whereas it had no effects in the hypothalamus. These results suggest a differential regulation of PR expression in the rat brain during postpartum estrus.

► Progesterone receptor is differentially regulated in rat brain in postpartum estrus.
► PR receptor content was reduced by RU486 in preoptic area but not in hypothalamus.
► PR-A/PR-B ratio is different in preoptic area and hypothalamus during postpartum.