INVITRO REVERSAL OF INDOMETHACIN-BLOCKED OVULATION BY PROSTAGLANDIN-F2-ALPHA

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 30  (6) , 702-706
Abstract
An in vitro perfused ovary preparation was used to study the role of prostaglandin F2.alpha. (PGF2.alpha.) in follicle rupture. The administration of PGF2.alpha. alone was shown to restore indomethacin-blocked ovulation in rabbits and monkeys. In the model used, ovulation consistently occurred when human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was given to the intact rabbit prior to ovarian removal. hCG-Induced ovulation was blocked in both perfused and in situ control ovaries by indomethacin (10 mg/kg i.v. 6 h after hCG) given to the intact animal. The addition of PGF2.alpha. (1 mg/200 ml) to the perfusion fluid restored ovulation in the isolated ovary as compared with the in situ ovary (P < 0.005) and with the perfused, untreated ovary (P < 0.01). Following removal and perfusion of both ovaries from rabbits treated with indomethacin, ovulation occurred following the addition of PGF2.alpha. to the perfusate, but did not occur without PGF2.alpha. (P < 0.05). Indomethacin can block ovulation and that ovulation can be restored by the addition of PGF2.alpha. to the perfusion system, further supporting the significance of PGF2.alpha. in the process of follicular rupture.