Synergistic action of estradiol and PGE2 on endometrial transcriptome in vivo resembles pregnancy effects better than estradiol alone

Porcine endometrial transcriptome has been profiled using expression micrarrays to determine the effect of PGE2 administered together with E2 on global gene expression profile. Crossbred gilts at the same age and genetic background, after second natural estrous cycle underwent estrus synchronization according to the procedure. On day 8-9 of the third natural estrous cycle animals underwent surgery during which both uterine horns has been cannulated. Animals were then divided in 2 groups. In the control group, each horn received intrauterine Placebo (vehicle; 5 mL of 1% v/v ethanol saline) infusions. In the experimental group randomly selected horns within each gilt received hormonal infusions: PGE2 (200 µg/infusion) with E2 (33.3 µg/infusion). The contralateral horn received vehicle infusions. Treatments were administered every 4 h for 24 h on days 11-12 after the onset of estrus.