Progesterone – Historical perspective

Research leading to the discovery and characterization of progesterone (P4) began in the mid 1800 s and followed a path carved by key discoveries in the burgeoning field of endocrinology. The primary observations leading to the discovery of P4 was that the maternal corpus luteum (CL) is necessary for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Experiments in animal models exploring the consequence of CL ablation and the effects of treatment with CL extract soon followed and formed the basis for the eventual isolation and characterization in 1930 s of the CL hormone, initially referred to as progestin, and subsequently named progesterone. In the following decades research into the physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of P4 in the context of pregnancy provided fundamental insights into the hormonal control of pregnancy establishment, maintenance and termination. This review highlights the work of pioneering researchers and their seminal discoveries in the research history of P4.