Plasma concentrations of progesterone and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F-2 alpha at parturition in the bandicoot, Isoodon macrourus.
The concentration of progesterone in maternal plasma of the bandicoot increased from 3.9 to 12.6 ng/ml between 11 and 4 days before parturition and remained at this level for at least 7 days. Concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F-2 alpha increased from basal levels of 288 pg/ml (4 days before birth) to maximal levels of 2534 pg/ml immediately after parturition, then decreased progressively. It is suggested that PGF-2 alplha, but not progesterone, influences the initiation of parturition in this species.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008394:Marsupialia / Q000097:blood*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood*; D011460:Prostaglandins F / Q000097:blood*
D011460:Prostaglandins F; D011374:Progesterone