STEROID-RECEPTOR MESSENGER-RNA LEVELS IN HUMAN CORPUS-LUTEUM

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 rever se-transcription polymerase chain reaction-Southern blot analysis. Exp ression of all receptor mRNAs was detected in all samples analyzed. Ea ch steroid receptor mRNA level was significantly lower (p < 0.05) duri ng the late secretory phase than that during the early or the mid-secr etory 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.