Expression of Progesterone and Estrogen Receptors in Human Renal Cell Carcinoma

Progesterone receptor(PR) and estrogen receptor(ER) were investigated in 29 specimens of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its autologous kidneys, 12 samples of control kidnerys with high sensitive and specific enzymelabelled histochemical techniques. The positive expression rates of PR in RCC, its autologous kidneys and control kidneys were 31.0%, 82.8% and 83.3% respectively, while the positive expression rates of ER of those tissues were 58.6%, 79.3% and 83.3%, respectively. It showed that the positive rate and the value of PR and ER in RCC were significantly less than those determined in the autologous kidneys and normal tissues(P<0.05) and no significant differences of PR and ER were found between autologous and normal kidneys(P>0.05). The level and positive rate of PR in stage Ⅰ were higher than those in stage Ⅱ to Ⅳ of RCC tissues (P<0.05). There was no relationship between the status of PR, ER and patient sex(P>0.05). Expression of PR in RCC had correlation to Robson stage closely. The positive rate of PR may be treated as a prognostic factor because it decreased as the stage rose. Our result provided an experimental basis for the application of hormonal therapy in RCC and emphasized that patients who may be benefited from hormonal therapy must have sufficient hormone receptors.

Effects of Mifepristone Compound on the Receptors of Estrogen and Progesterone in Early Pregnancy Deciduas

To examine the effect of mifepristone compound (mifepristone + anor- drin) on estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in early pregnancy decidua. Materials & Methods A Controlled study was carried out among 60 normal early pregnant volunteers (≤49d) in the department of obstetric and gynecology of Peking Union Medical Hospital. The concentrations of ER and PR were measured by radio- ligand and were compared with the control subjects after oral administration of mifepristone or mifepristone compound in different doses. Results The concentration of PR decreased while that of ER increased significantly in the decidua from all subjects administrated with mifepristone compound. We also found the concentration of EcR in Group 5 (mifepristone 30 mg + AF-53 5 mg) was the highest among 6 groups. The compound may be in favor of estrogen's action on endometrium. Conclusion The results indicate that mifepristone compound with AF- 53 has a coordi- nated function and can change the proportion of PR and ER. Hence, it can facilitate abortion. The compound dose of mifepristone 30 mg + AF-53 5mg is in favor of the endometrium recovering.

Clinical Significance of Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors Assays in Pancreatic Carcinoma

Cyochemical methods for demonstrating estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR)within pancreas-cancer cells showed positive reation of ER or/and PgR in 4 out of 8 pancreatic carcinomas.This result suggested that sex hormone might be closely linked to pancreatic cancer.Pancreatic carcinoma could be considered a hormoneresponsive-neoplasm. The hormone migh be a cause influencing the growth of pancreatic carcinoma in association with receptors described. Endocrine therapy would be a treatment of choice for pancreatic carcinoma.

The Effect of GnRHa Induced Superovulation on Endometrial Morphology and Estrogen Receptor and Progesterone Receptor in Mouse

To evaluate the effect of GnRHa induced superovulation protocol on endometrial morphology and function. Material & Methods Forty ICR mice were randomly allocated into 4 groups, among them, 2 experimental groups were injected with GnRHa+HMG+hCG, another 2 groups were given saline of same volume as control group. The uterine tissues were investigated at 24 h and 48 h after administration (experimental group) or ovulation (control group).The endometrial thickness, the size of gland and glandular lumen, the total area of glandular cells, the average height of glandular epithelium were measured from routine histological slides using computerized image analysis. The SP immunohistochemistry techniques with monoclonal antibodies were employed to semi quantitatively analize the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in glandular cells. Results The endometrial thickness was not significantly different between experimental groups and control groups at 24 h and 48 h (P>0.05).The average area, perimeter, maximal diameter of single gland and glandular lumen, the total area, average height of glandular epithelium in experimental groups were significantly smaller than those of in control groups at equivalent time stages (all P<0.01). The asynchronous development of gland epithelium and stroma cells, namely, pesudostratified glandular epithelium and predecidual changes of stroma cells were seen at same time in experimental groups. The positive percentage (%) and expression intense of ER and PR in glandular epithelium cells were significantly lower in experimental groups than in control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion The protocol with GnRHa had a negative effect on endometrial histological structure and down regulated the express of ER and PR, suggesting that this protocol effect on the endometrial morphology and function and could not facilitate the formation of a physiologic endometrium completely, which may be one of the causes of low pregnancy rates.

Effects of coriaria lactone-activated,astrocyte-conditioned medium on estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression in rat cortical and hippocampal neurons

BACKGROUND： Coriaria lactone-activated astrocytes released bioactive substances that eventually caused epilepsy. OBJECTIVE： It has been suggested that activated astrocytes alter the expression of the estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor by releasing bioactive substances during epilepsy, thereby affecting neuronal activity in the brain. This study was designed to observe the expression of the estrogen receptor and the progesterone receptor in rat brain following lateral ventricle injection of coriaria lactone-activated, astrocyte-conditioned medium. DESIGN AND SETTING： This immunohistochemical, randomized, controlled, animal study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Hospital Affiliated to Binzhou Medical College, China. MATERIAL： Coriaria lactone was provided by Huaxi Pharmaceutical Factory, China. METHODS： Forty adult, healthy, male, Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into two groups. Astrocyte-conditioned medium （10 μ L） was injected into rat lateral ventricle in the control group （n = 8）. Coriaria lactone-activated, astrocyte-conditioned medium （10 μL） was infused into the rat lateral ventricle in the coriaria lactone group （n = 32）. At 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours following injection, rats were sacrificed and subjected to immunohistochemistry. Eight rats were studied at each time point. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Behavioral changes were observed in rats of both groups. Expression of the estrogen receptor and the progesterone receptor in rat cortical and hippocampal neurons was measured using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： Four hours after injection, estrogen receptor levels in rat cortical and hippocampal neurons were significantly higher in the coriaria lactone group than in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. Progesterone receptor levels were significantly lower in the coriaria lactone group than in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. Seizures were not observed in the control group. In the coriaria lactone group, convulsions appeared 30 minutes after injection; seizures reached grade Ⅲ at 45 minutes rat behavior was nearly normal at 2 hours. CONCLUSION： Activated astrocytes can induce seizures in the rat by enhancing estrogen receptor expression and decreasing progesterone receptor expression in cerebral cortical and hippocampal neurons.

Similarity between Spatial-temporal Expression Patterning of HOXAll and Progesterone Receptor in Human Endometrium

Objective To study HOXAll expression and its correlation with that of the progesterone receptor (PR) gene in human endometriumMethods In situ hybridization and semi-quantitative RT-PCR were used. Results HOXAll mRNA was detected in both stromal and glandular cells of normal endometrium by in situ hybridization. But the expression levels in the glandular cells had a dramatic decline or even disappearance at mid-secretory stage. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis, however, demonstrated that the total expression levels of HOXAll mRNA were markedly increased in the mid-secretory endometrium, which suggested that there was an increased expression in stromal cells. Similar results were obtained for PR gene expression in human endometrium by in situ hybridization and semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis.Conclusion HOXAll gene spatial and temporal expression patterns were similar to that of PR gene in endometrium across menstrual cycle, and HOXAll was closely related to the endometrial proliferation and differentiation during menstrual cycle, especially the establishment of receptive status in implantation.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF ESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR IN THYROID TISSUES OF AUTOIMMUNE THYROID DISEASE

Estrogen receptor(ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) in core-needle biopsied thyroidtissues of 30 cases of autoimmune thyroid disease and 2 cases of simple gotter were measured usingenzyme-linked histochemical technique. The results showed that the frequences of presence of ER inGraves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroditis(HT) were 50% (9/18) and 58. 3K (7/12) respectively ; and those of PgR were 11. 1 % (2/18) in GD, 16. 2% (2/7) in HT. Both ER and PgR werenegative in simple gotter. This study demonstrated that the content of ER in thyroid tissues of autoimmune thyroid disease was relatively high, suggesting that estrogen may play a role in the development of the disease.

Selective Expression of Progesterone Receptor in Malignant Melanoma Was Inversely Correlated with PCNA

To investigate the role of progesterone receptor （PR） expression in malignant melanoma （MM）, PR and proliferative cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） expression were immunohistochemistrically evaluated in a series of 35 specimens of MM, and the correlation between the immunohistochemistrical findings and clinicopathological data was also analyzed. PR expression was detected in 25.7% （9/35） of the patients with MM. No PR expression was observed in nevi. PR expression was inversely correlated with PCNA expression （r=-0.353, P=-0.026）. PR expression was slightly increased in females, subjects aged under 55 y, those with ulceration, non-acral subtype and diagnosis delay longer than 1 y, but the difference was not statistically significant. Selective expression of progesterone receptor in malignant melanoma might be correlated with inhibited tumor growth.

STUDY OF ESTROGEN RECEPTOR AND PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR IN SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA TISSUE OF ORAL MUCOSA

By means of the enzyme linked affinity histothemical method, 45 cases of squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) of the oral mucosa and 15 cases of the approximately normal oral mucosal tissue were detected for estrogen receptor(ER) and progesterone receptor(PR). The results indicated that In the SCC tissue of the oral mucosa there were 5 cases of ER+ and PR- and 32 cases of both ER+ and PR+. Thirty-seven cases, the summation of the above two items, were considered as receptor(+),therefore the rate of the receptor(+) being 82.22%. ER+ and PR+ were cd related to the sex and age of patients, the neck lymph nodes' metastasizing or not and affected parts of the tumor, while they were related to the differentiation degree of the tumor. The rate of receptor(+) decreased with the decrease of the differentiation degree of the tumor. By X2 test a remarkable difference between grade Ⅰand grade Ⅲ of SCC of the oral mucosa was shown. It is suggested that SCC of the oral mucosa may probobly be hormone dependent tumor. The authors consider that the SCC detection for ER and PR could not only be one of the indices of biologic characteristics for that tumor but also as bases of anti-hormone treatment.

Effect of Mifepristone and Anordrin Compound on Levels of Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor mRNAs in Human Decidua of Early Pregnancy

To provide the theoretical fundation for the further clinical application of mifepristone and anordrin compound. Materials & Methods Ribonuclease protection assay was used for the detection and quantitation of estrogen and progesterone receptor mRNAs in human decidua from the termination of early pregnancy.Three groups, each of which had 6～8 cases, were studied. Results Compared to the normal control group, estrogen and progesterone receptor mRNAs increased significantly (P<0.05) in the mifepristone group, whereas the changes in the group administrated mifepristone compound which contains anordrin were not obvious. Conclusions The result suggests that with the similar clinical effect, mifepristone compound has less side effect on the patients, thus being more suitable for the anti early pregnancy drug.

Determination of Progesterone Receptor by Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay

A new method of chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) was developed and the standard curve and regression equation for determination of progesterone receptor (PR) made. The luminosity of tissue samples was tested and PR level was calculated by the regression equation. Correlation analysis revealed that there was a linear relationship between different concentrations of the standard PR samples and the corresponding values of luminosity: Y=3748+463.77X, γ=0 9958. The values of the luminosity in 38 cases of tumor tissues were determined with the highest being 267.32 fmol/mg, the lowest 3.69 fmol/mg and the mean 78.53 fmol/mg. The new method of CLEIA was a stable, creditable,specific and sensitive assay for determination of PR.

In-Vitro Inhibition of Human Melanoma (BLM) Cell Growth by Progesterone Receptor Antagonist RU-486 (Mifepristone)

RU-486 is an abortifacient which is used to terminate early pregnancy. It acts by blocking progesterone receptor. In our earlier study with progesterone, RU-486 was used as a progesterone receptor antagonist to find out the mechanism of progesterone action on melanoma cells. Results indicated that the effect of progesterone was not mediated through progesterone receptor. In the course of experiments, it was observed that RU-486 by itself inhibited mouse melanoma cell growth. Further research work with RU-486 showed a dose dependent inhibition of human melanoma cell growth. The mechanism of inhibition of cell growth was due to apoptosis and this effect of RU-486 was neither mediated through progesterone receptor nor glucocorticoid receptor. This in-vitro study suggested that melanoma also could be a target for RU-486 action, apart from breast, ovary and prostate cancers.

Ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction enhances the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma by inhibiting PGRMC1-mediated autophagy in vitro and in vivo

Background:Ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction(UTMD) is a widely used noninvasive technology in both military and civilian medicine,which could enhance radiosensitivity of various tumors.However,little information is available regarding the effects of UTMD on radiotherapy for glioblastoma or the underlying mechanism.This study aimed to delineate the effect of UTMD on the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma and the potential involvement of autophagy.Methods:GL261,U251 cells and orthotopic glioblastoma-bearing mice were treated with ionizing radiation(IR) or IR plus UTMD.Autophagy was observed by confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used to detect progesterone receptor membrane component 1(PGRMC1),light chain 3 beta 2(LC3B2) and sequestosome 1(SQSTM1/p62) levels.Lentiviral vectors or siRNAs transfection,and fluorescent probes staining were used to explore the underlying mechanism.Results:UTMD enhanced the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo(P<0.01).UTMD inhibited autophagic flux by disrupting autophagosome-lysosome fusion without impairing lysosomal function or autophagosome synthesis in IR-treated glioblastoma cells.Suppression of autophagy by 3-methyladenine,bafilomycin A1 or ATG5 siRNA had no significant effect on UTMD-induced radiosensitization in glioblastoma cells(P<0.05).Similar results were found when autophagy was induced by rapamycin or ATG5 overexpression(P>0.05).Furthermore,UTMD inhibited PGRMC1expression and binding with LC3B2 in IR-exposed glioblastoma cells(P<0.01).PGRMC1 inhibitor AG-205 or PGRMC1siRNA pretreatment enhanced UTMD-induced LC3B2 and p62 accumulation in IR-exposed glioblastoma cells,thereby promoting UTMD-mediated radiosensitization(P<0.05).Moreover,PGRMC1 overexpression abolished UTMD-caused blockade of autophagic degradation,subsequently inhibiting UTMD-induced radiosensitization of glioblastoma cells.Finally,compared with IR plus UTMD group,PGRMC1 overexpression significantly increased tumor size [(3.8±1.1) mm^(2)vs.(8.0±1.9) mm^(2),P<0.05] and decreased survival time [(67.2±2.6) d vs.(40.0±1.2) d,P=0.0026] in glioblastoma-bearing mice.Conclusions:UTMD enhanced the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma partially by disrupting PGRMC1-mediated autophagy.

EFFECT OF MIFEPRISTONE (RU486)ON MARKERS OF ENDOMETRIAL RECEPTIVITY

Objective To study the effect of single and low dose of RU486 on endometrial receptivity of healthy women. Methods A total of 5 healthy women were followed for one control and one treatment cycle. In the treatment cycle, a dose of 10 mg RU486 was administered on day luteinizing hormone (LH)-2. In both the control and treatment cycle, an endometrial biopsy was obtained on LH+7. These biopsies were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis to find the difference in expression of integrins and progesterone receptor (PR) between the control and treatment cycle. Results The treatment with RU486 increased the expression of α 1 and α 4 subunits of integrin in glandular epithelial cells, but did not influence β 3 subunit. Moreover, the normal down regulation of PR in epitherial cell nuclei was inhibited by 10 mg RU486. Conclusion Single dose of 10 mg RU486 impairs the establishment of endometrial receptivity on time.

Correlation of expression of ER,PR and c-erbB-2 with ultrasonographic features in invasive ductal cancer of breast

Objective To analyze the relationship of the expression level of estrogen receptor(ER),progesterone receptor(PR)and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2(HER-2,c-erbB-2)of breast invasive ductal carcinoma(IDC)with ultrasonographic characteristics.Methods Totally 104 patients with IDCs confirmed pathologically were involved in this study.ER,PR and c-erbB-2 expression in the IDC specimens was determined by immunohistochemical staining technique.The correlation between the ultrasonographic features and the positive expression of ER,PR or c-erbB-2 was analyzed.Results The positive expression rate of ER and PR in the group with tumor spiculation sign and posterior acoustic attenuation was higher than that in the group without.The positive expression rate of ER differed significantly(P<0.05)while that of PR did not(P>0.05).The over-expression rate of c-erbB-2 in the group of microcalcification,sufficient blood flow and axillary lymph node metastasis was higher than that in the group of non-microcalcification,deficient blood flow or without axillary lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).The expression of ER,PR and c-erbB-2 was not related to the size of tumor(P>0.05).Conclusion The expression of ER and c-erbB-2 is closely related to the ultrasonographic characteristics of IDC,which may,to some extent,reflect the expression level of ER and c-erbB-2.

Study of Endometrial Receptivity during Implantation in Implantation Dysfunction Mouse

Objective To establish the mice model of implantation dysfunction and to study the endometrial receptivity during implantation in implantation dysfunction mouse. Methods Sexually mature female virgin, Kunming mice were randomly assigned to the control group and the model group postcoitally. The model mice at 9 ： 00 AM on d 4 of pregnancy（d 4） were injected subcutaneously with mifepristone. All animals were sacrificed at 9 ：00 PM on d 4 and their uterine horns were examined for the presence of implanted embryos. Histopathology of uterine endometrium was observed by light-microscope. The endometrial expressions of estrogen receptor （ER） and progesterone receptor （PR） assessed by immunnohistochemical SP method. The endometrial expressions of ER mRNA and PR mRNA were assessed by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. Results Compared with control group, implantation rates and average embryo num- ber significently decreased in model group, the development of endometrium was inhibited. In model group, absorbency and area rate of ER and PR in the gland and stroma were lower than those in control group （P〈0.05）. Expressions of ER mRNA and PR mRNA in model uterus were significantly lower than those in the control. Conclusion The endometrial receptivity and implantation decreased in mifepristoneinduced implantation dysfunction mouse.

Role of steroid receptor-associated and regulated protein in tumor progression and progesterone receptor signaling in endometrial cancer

Background:Steroid receptor-associated and regulated protein(SRARP)suppresses tumor progression and modulates steroid receptor signaling by interacting with estrogen receptors and androgen receptors in breast cancer.In endometrial cancer(EC),progesterone receptor(PR)signaling is crucial for responsiveness to progestin therapy.The aim of this study was to investigate the role of SRARP in tumor progression and PR signaling in EC.Methods:Ribonucleic acid sequencing data from the Cancer Genome Atlas,Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium,and Gene Expression Omnibus were used to analyze the clinical significance of SRARP and its correlation with PR expression in EC.The correlation between SRARP and PR expression was validated in EC samples obtained from Peking University People’s Hospital.SRARP function was investigated by lentivirus-mediated overexpression in Ishikawa and HEC-50B cells.Cell Counting Kit-8 assays,cell cycle analyses,wound healing assays,and Transwell assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation,migration,and invasion.Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate gene expression.The effects of SRARP on the regulation of PR signaling were determined by co-immunoprecipitation,PR response element(PRE)luciferase reporter assay,and PR downstream gene detection.Results:Higher SRARP expression was significantly associated with better overall survival and disease-free survival and less aggressive EC types.SRARP overexpression suppressed growth,migration,and invasion in EC cells,increased E-cadherin expression,and decreased N-cadherin and Wnt family member 7A(WNT7A)expression.SRARP expression was positively correlated with PR expression in EC tissues.In SRARP-overexpressing cells,PR isoform B(PRB)was upregulated and SRARP bound to PRB.Significant increases in PRE-based luciferase activity and expression levels of PR target genes were observed in response to medroxyprogesterone acetate.Conclusions:This study illustrates that SRARP exerts a tumor-suppressive effect by inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition via Wnt signaling in EC.In addition,SRARP positively modulates PR expression and interacts with PR to regulate PR downstream target genes.

Ulipristal Acetate (UPA): An Alternative Option to Surgery for Uterine Fibroids in Reproductive Age: A Review

Uterine fibroids are common in females of reproductive age and substantially affecting fertility and quality of life. Current management strategies mainly involve surgical interventions. For treatment, options available are surgical and non-surgical, but the mode of management leans on several factors, such as severity of symptoms, patient’s age, myoma characteristics, desire to preserve uterus and fertility. Alternative approach to surgery for the treatment of symptomatic females with uterine myomas has been recognized. Ulipristal acetate (UPA) has been the first selective progesterone-receptor modulator (SPRM) approved for the pre-operative and long-term management of uterine fibroids. There are evidences promoting an important role for progesterone pathways in the pathophysiology of uterine fibroids which supports the use of ulipristal acetate. The availability of alternative choices to surgical intervention is very necessary especially for those willing to preserve uterus and fertility. One of the alternatives is with ulipristal acetate, which has been proven to treat fibroid symptoms effectively.

Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on expressions of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and Ki-67 in breast cancer

Background This study was designed in an attempt to determine the influence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on estrogen receptor （ER）, progesterone receptor （PR）, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 （Her-2）, and Ki-67 expressions in patients with breast cancer. Methods Pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy, paired-tumor specimens from 103 patients with breast cancer administrated with anthracycline or anthracycline combined taxane regimen were collected. Immunohistochemical staining for ER, PR, Her-2, and Ki-67 was performed by the DAKO EnVision method. Results Among the 103 cases, five patients （4.9%） had a complete response （CR）, 82 （79.6%） partial response （PR）, 15 （14.6%） stable disease （SD）, and one （0.9%） progressive disease （PD）, yielding an overall response rate （CR ＋ PR） of 84.5%. Nine patients achieved pathological CR. There was a significant decrease in the average index of Ki-67 post- neoadjuvant chemotherapy, compared with that before chemotherapy （24.1% vs. 39.7%, P 〈0.001）. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the changes of Ki-67 in different subtypes of breast cancer were different （P 〈0.001）, and these changes correlated with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy （P 〈0.001）. No significant changes in immunohistochemical expression were observed for ER, PR and Her-2. Conclusions Neoadjuvant chemotherapy apparently reduced Ki-67 index in primary breast carcinomas, but profiles for ER, PR and Her-2 were not significantly different before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The change of Ki- 67 correlated with molecular subtypes and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, suggesting that Ki-67 index was a surrogate marker to predict the treatment response of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Effects of Acupuncture on Progesterone and Prolactin in Rats of Embryo Implantation Dysfunction

Objective： To investigate the effect of acupuncture on progesterone （P4） and prolactin （PRL） in rats of embryo implantation dysfunction （EID）. Methods： On the first day of pregnancy, 72 female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into the normal group, the EID model group, the acupuncture group and the P4 group （18 in each group）. The normal group was injected sesame oil, while the other three groups were given mifepristone to establish the EID model. The acupuncture group and the P4 group were given treatment of acupuncture and P4 injection, respectively. The serum of P4 and PRL were detected by radioimmunoassay, and the mRNA and protein expressions of P4 receptor （PR） and PRL receptor （PRLR） were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical method, respectively. Results： Compared with the normal group, the serum levels of P4 and PRL as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of PR and PRLR in the EID model group were significantly lowered （P〈0.01 or P〈0.05）. The above indices in the acupuncture group and the P4 group were significantly elevated compared with the EID model group （P〈0.01 or P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture can promote embryo implantation effectively, which might be related to the effects of acupuncture on upregulating the P4 and PRL levels in serum and the PR and PRLR expression levels in rats.