Role of progesterone on dexamethasone-induced alterations in placental vascularization and progesterone receptors in rats†.

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is manifested by lower maternal progesterone levels, smaller placental size, and decreased placental vascularity indicated by lower expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Studies showed that progesterone increases angiogenesis and induces VEGF expression in different tissues. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of progesterone on placental vascular bed and VEGF expression and the modulation of nuclear and membranous progesterone receptors (PR) in dexamethasone-induced rat IUGR model.

Progesterone partially recovers placental glucose transporters in dexamethasone-induced intrauterine growth restriction.

Research Question: How does progesterone improve fetal outcome and change the expression of placental glucose transporters (GLUT) in dexamethasone-induced intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)?

Design: A total of 64 rats were divided randomly into four different treatment groups based on daily i.p. injections of either saline or dexamethasone in the presence or absence of progesterone.