Local luteolytic effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha in the human corpus luteum.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of prostaglandin (PG)F2 alpha on human corpus luteum (CL) function in vivo.


METHODS
The effects of a single injection of PGF2 alpha into the CL was studied.


METHODS
The patients underwent elective surgery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden.


METHODS
Twenty women with regular menstrual cycles undergoing laparoscopy for legal sterilization with tubal clips volunteered for the study.


METHODS
Prostaglandin F2 alpha (3 mg) was injected through the abdominal wall into the CL. In control cases, vehicle was injected into the CL or PGF2 alpha into the contralateral ovary.


METHODS
After the injections, serum was analyzed for progesterone (P) and luteinizing hormone using fluoroimmunoassay and enzyme-immunoassay, respectively. Menstrual data were recorded.


RESULTS
In contrast to control cases, intraluteal injection of PGF2 alpha caused both an immediate fall of greater than 30% in serum P and a shortening of the luteal phase by 2 to 5 days. Luteinizing hormone varied independently of the changes in serum P levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest a local role for PGF2 alpha in human luteolysis.
Bennegård
B
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Hahlin
M
M
Wennberg
E
E
Norén
H
H
D000328:Adult; D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects*; D015237:Dinoprost / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D003341:Luteolysis; D008186:Luteolytic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D012016:Reference Values; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects
D008186:Luteolytic Agents; D011374:Progesterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D015237:Dinoprost