Real-time PCR (a) and Western blot analysis (b) of the total uterine homogenate; representative image of Western blots (c) of NHE1 in steroid replaced ovariectomized rats and in rats at different phases of the oestrous cycle. Results indicate that NHE1 mRNA and protein expressions were increased following P treatment and at Ds stage of the oestrous cycle. Control: peanut oil, 0.2E: 0.2 μg 17β-oestradiol, 2E: 2 μg 17β-oestradiol, 20E: 20 μg 17β-oestradiol, 50E: 50 μg 17β-oestradiol, P: progesterone, E + P: 0.2 μg 17β-oestradiol + progesterone. Ps: proestrus, Es: estrus, Ms: metestrus, Ds: diestrus.: *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001. n = 6 rats per group.