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Effect of steroid hormones on tissue remodelling and progesterone receptors in the uterus of seasonally anoestrous brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)

¹ Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand and ² AgResearch, Private Bag 50034, Mosgiel, Dunedin, New Zealand

Correspondence should be addressed to P R Hurst; Email: Peter.Hurst{at}stonebow.otago.ac.nz

This study describes progesterone receptor (PR) location within uterine cells and associated morphological changes to the uterine luminal and glandular epithelium in seasonally anoestrous brushtail possums treated with oestradiol and/or progesterone.

Twenty-four adult female possums (n = 6/group) were treated with oestradiol, progesterone, oestradiol followed by progesterone or with the oil vehicle alone for 6-day periods. Uterine tissue was recovered, weighed and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy and for immunohistochemistry for PRs. Stereological techniques were used to quantify epithelial cell and constituent volumes for both luminal and glandular tissues. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone were determined by radioimmunoassay.

Mean uterine wet weights were significantly heavier (P < 0.001) following oestradiol/progesterone treatment and maximum gland dilation, cellular and stromal growth, maximum cell height, and cell and constituent volumes were recorded after this treatment regimen. Cell nuclei and debris were commonly observed in gland lumina, and nuclear PRs were found predominantly in stromal cells following oestradiol-only treatment. Sequential treatment with oestradiol and then progesterone caused a decline in the number of positively stained cells. Epithelial cells contained extensive secretory organelles and degenerating cells were common within the glands.

Oestradiol treatment induced cell and cell constituent growth and promoted PR formation in anoestrous possum uterine tissue. Subsequent exposure to progesterone stimulated uterine tissues to reach maximum wet weights and led to the cellular maturation necessary to remodel the uterus in preparation for pregnancy.