The Progesterone Receptor Knockout Mouse Model

摘要: During the first decade of twentieth centry, a series classic experiments performed by noted European embryologists Fraenkel, Loeb, Bouin, and Ancel unequivocally demonstrated essential role corpus luteum in establishment maintenance pregnancy (reviewed 1,2). Subsequent investigations 1920s revealed that organic extracts were able to elicit distinctive histological physiological phenotype endometrium (termed “progestational proliferation”), characteristic early ovariectomized (OVX) rabbits 3). If animals mated 1 d prior ovariectomy, chronic administration these was sufficient maintain normal development embryo term. In 1930s, “internal secretion” luteum, responsible for utero-morphic changes identified purified Willard M. Allen at University Rochester, NY, which he names “progestrin,” substance favors gestation (4). The discovery progestin, or progesterone, heralded new era reproductive medicine, it initially envisioned hormone would be used reduce inhibit such female fertility disorders as spontaneous miscarriages women high risk 5). Ironically, during following decades, use progesterone (in derivative form) contraceptive agent (“the pill”) overshadow its original promise drug (6,7).