Prostaglandin Production by Rhesus Monkey Corpora Lutea in Vitro: Effects of Estrogen Administration

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Abstract
Luteolysis was induced in normal cycling rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) by daily administration of estradiol cypionate (50 μg/kg) from day 1 to 7 postovulatory (controls received vehicle). Luteectomy was performed after treatment, using microsurgical techniques and minimal manipulation. Serum progesterone concentrations did not demonstrate characteristic luteal rise in estrogen-treated animals as compared to controls. Estrogen treatment increased prostaglandin F2α/ E ratio produced in vitro by the corpora lutea twofold compared to controls. These results support our previous observations that luteolysis in the rhesus monkey is associated with increased production of prostaglandin F2α and decreased production of prostaglandin E by the corpus luteum.