The effects of thromboxane receptor antagonists on oestrogen-induced uterotrophic responses in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

1. The possible role of thromboxane in the uterotrophic response to oestrogen, in the spontaneously hypertensive rat was investigated by use of the thromboxane receptor antagonists EP092, AH23848 and BM 13.505. 2. The parameters studied were uterine blood flow (measured by the microsphere technique), uterine wet and dry weights and the concentrations of cytosolic and nuclear oestrogen receptors. 3. The antagonists attenuated oestradiol-induced uterine blood flow and significantly reduced both wet and dry uterine weight. These changes were accompanied by decreases in nuclear oestrogen receptor levels. 4. The results suggest a supportive role for thromboxane in oestradiol-induced uterine growth.