EFFECTS OF OESTRADIOL AND PROGESTERONE ON THE in vitro PRODUCTION OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α BY THE GUINEA‐PIG UTERUS

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Abstract
1 The effects of oestradiol and progesterone on the production of prostaglandin F2α by the guinea-pig uterus in vitro have been studied. 2 Ovariectomized guinea-pigs were treated with oestradiol benzoate, progesterone, or a combination of these hormones. The uteri were homogenized and incubated and the prostaglandin F2α produced was measured by radioimmunoassay or combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (g.c.-m.s.). Oestradiol treatment or progesterone followed by oestradiol caused a significant increase in prostaglandin F2α synthesis compared with control values, whereas progesterone treatment caused no significant increase. 3 The uteri from guinea-pigs on day 7 of the oestrous cycle were split into four parts, and each part homogenized and incubated either alone or in the presence of oestradiol-17β, progesterone, or a combination of these hormones. Prostaglandin F2α was measured by g.c.-m.s. Oestradiol was found to increase prostaglandin F2α synthesis by the uterus whereas progesterone had no effect. However, progesterone did inhibit the response to oestradiol. 4 Oestradiol treatment of the guinea-pig uterus causes an increase in capacity to produce prostaglandin F2α in vitro. The role of progesterone is difficult to interpret.