Messenger RNA levels of oestrogen receptors alpha and beta and progesterone receptors in the cyclic and inseminated/early pregnant sow uterus

In conclusion, the expression of mRNAs for ER alpha, ER beta and PR in the sow uterus differed between endometrium and myometrium as well as with stages of the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. In addition to plasma steroid levels, the differences between cyclic and inseminated/early pregnant sows suggest that other factors, e.g. insemination and/or the presence of embryos, influence the expression of these steroid receptor mRNAs in the sow uterus. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.