Progesterone INDEX

Exposure of two species of freshwater fish to 0.106 ppb of a commercial formulation containing 50% methyl parathion increased serum levels of T3 and reduced T4 (Bhattacharya 1993). This effect was attributed to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in the fish brain, but no direct evidence was presented. Similar treatment of freshwater perch for 35 days resulted in decreased release of progesterone from the ovaries (Bhattacharya and Mondal 1997). Also, treatment of freshwater perch for up to 90 days with methyl parathion induced a decrease in the gonadosomatic index (not defined) after day 15 of... 

In rodents the most commonly studied female sexual behavior is the lordosis posture, in which the female remains immobile and concavely arches her back. Lordosis, usually in response to mounting, has been used as an index of female sexual receptivity. In addition, a variety of other measures such as elective proximity to a male have been used to index sexual proceptivity. Studies of these and related behaviors have shown that in rats ovarian secretions are essential for the expression of lordosis and can increase the expression of a variety of sociosexual behaviors (Pfaff, et al., 1994). Surgical removal of the ovary (ovariectomy) eliminates female sexual behavior in most rodents, and treatments with estrogen and progesterone can produce levels of sexual receptivity that closely resemble those seen in a gonadally-intact estrous female. 

Progesterone induces characteristic morphological changes of the endometrium after estrogen-induced proliferation of this tissue. This effect is the basis of the endometrium transformation assay, in which immature rabbits are primed with estradiol for several days and are subsequently treated with a progestin, either by oral application or by subcutaneous injection. The proliferating response of the uterus is examined by histological analysis and quantitated with the McPhail index on a scale from 1 to 4, with 4 as maximal effect. The assay is very sensitive and specific, even if the rabbit expresses only the B isoform of PR. 

Wolfsberger S, DoostkamS, Boecher-Schwarz HG, et al. Progesterone-receptor index in meningiomas Correlation with clinico-pathological parameters and review of the literature. Neurosurg Rev. 2004 27 238-245. 

Effects of Oral Progesterone on Three Indexes of Ovulation... 

This is the major urinary metabolite of progesterone. It can be measured in urine as an index of placental function in pregnant females, and to detect ovulation in non-pregnant females (see progesterone). It can be measured by gas chromatography, radioimmunoassay or chemical means (by its reaction with sulphuric acid following its isolation by column chromatography). 

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