Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) gene expression in corpus luteum during the estrous cycle in cows.

The aim of the study was to investigate progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) mRNA expression in bovine corpus luteum (CL) obtained from heifers or non-pregnant cows on the following days of the estrous cycle: 1-5, 6-10, 11-16 and 17-21 (n=4/each time period). The expression of PGRMC1 mRNA, analyzed by semiquantitative RT-PCR, was the highest on days 6-10 (p<0.01) and then it declined (p<0.05). The lowest expression was found on days 1-5 (p<0.05). A significant correlation (p<0.05) was also observed between luteal progesterone (P(4)) concentration and PGRMC1 mRNA expression. These data indicate that PGRMC1 mRNA is expressed in bovine CL and this expression varies throughout the luteal phase. It is assumed that PGRMC1 may be involved in a non-genomic effect of P(4) on luteal cells.