Real-time PCR (a) and Western blot analysis (b) of the total uterine homogenate; representative image of Western blots (c) of NHE2 in steroid replaced ovariectomized rats and in rats at different phases of the oestrous cycle. Results indicate that NHE2 mRNA and protein expressions were increased following E treatment and at Ps and Es stages 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.