title: Progesterone modulates the LPS-induced nitric oxide production by a progesterone-receptor independent mechanism.
abstract: Genital tract infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria induce miscarriage and are one of the most common complications of human pregnancy. LPS administration to 7-day pregnant mice induces embryo resorption after 24h, with nitric oxide playing a fundamental role in this process. We have previously shown that progesterone exerts protective effects on the embryo by modulating the inflammatory reaction triggered by LPS. Here we sought to investigate whether the in vivo administration of progesterone modulated the LPS-induced nitric oxide production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from pregnant and non-pregnant mice. We found that progesterone downregulated LPS-induced nitric oxide production by a progesterone receptor-independent mechanism. Moreover, our results suggest a possible participation of glucocorticoid receptors in at least some of the anti-inflammatory effects of progesterone.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires. Argentina. Electronic address: manuwolfson@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Manuel Luis
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Wolfson
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires. Argentina.
authors.forename: Julieta Aylen
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Schander
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires. Argentina.
authors.forename: María Victoria
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Bariani
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires. Argentina.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Correa
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires. Argentina.
authors.forename: Ana María
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Franchi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D041702:BALB 3T3 Cells; D020964:Embryo Loss / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid / Q000378:metabolism; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D011374:Progesterone; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase
keywords: Glucocorticoid receptors; Lonaprisan; Nitric oxide; Progesterone; RU486