ISSN : 1225-2964(Print)
ISSN : 2287-3317(Online)
ISSN : 2287-3317(Online)
Annals of Animal Resource Sciences Vol.36 No.2 pp.39-46
DOI : https://doi.org/10.12718/10.12718/AARS.2025.36.2.39
DOI : https://doi.org/10.12718/10.12718/AARS.2025.36.2.39
The Physiological Role and Reproductive Function of Progesterone in the Ovary (Review)
Abstract
Progesterone is a key steroid hormone secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum and plays a critical role in regulating the reproductive cycle and maintaining pregnancy in animals. Following ovulation, progesterone prepares the endometrium for embryo implantation by promoting glandular secretion and inhibiting uterine smooth muscle contractions, thereby creating a stable environment for gestation. It also exerts negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, suppressing the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and preventing the maturation of additional follicles within the same reproductive cycle. In veterinary reproductive management, progesterone is widely applied through estrus synchronization and pregnancy diagnosis protocols. Hormonal control programs such as controlled internal drug release, Altrenogest, and Ovsynch utilize progesterone or its analogs to improve breeding efficiency, particularly in livestock. Thus, ovarian secretion of progesterone is not only essential for physiological reproduction but also serves as a central mechanism in modern reproductive biotechnology.