Evidence for independent evolution of functional progesterone withdrawal in primates and guinea pigs.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Cervix remodeling (CRM) is a critical process in preparation for parturition. Early cervix shortening is a powerful clinical predictor of preterm birth, and thus understanding how CRM is regulated is important for the prevention of prematurity. Humans and other primates differ from most other mammals by the maintenance of high levels of systemic progesterone concentrations. Humans have been hypothesized to perform functional progesterone withdrawal (FPW). Guinea pigs are similar to humans in maintaining high-progesterone concentrations through parturition, thus making them a prime model for studying CRM. Here, we analyze the phylogenetic history of FPW and document gene expression in the guinea pig uterine cervix.

Methodology

Data on progesterone wi

SUBMITTER: Nnamani MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3875370 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature