Progesterone attenuates hypertension and autoantibody levels to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor in response to elevated cadmium during pregnancy

•There were higher Cd and lower progesterone levels in the preeclamptic women.•A rat model of PE was established by administrating low-dose cadmium on GDs 9-12.•Progesterone improved features of PE in response to elevated Cd during pregnancy.•Progesterone attenuates AT1-AA by decreasing AID in B cells.•Progesterone supplementation may be a relevant strategy to the management of PE.