Influence of hCG injection and steroid treatment on prostaglandin metabolism by rabbit uterus and oviduct

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Abstract
Metabolism of prostaglandins (PG) E-2 and F-2.alpha. by cytosolic fractions (100,000 g supernatant) of rabbit uterus, oviduct and lung was measured in vitro. Metabolism of PGE-2 was greater than that of PGF-2.alpha. for oviduct and uterus. After an ovulating injection of human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG], metabolism of both PGE-2 and PGF-2.alpha. by lung and uterus declined linearly up to 72 h (during the time of ovum transport). The amount of PG metabolism by the oviduct did not change significantly during this period, but the percentage changes of PGE-2 and PGF-2.alpha. metabolism from estrus values did differ and perhaps indicated a change in the ratio of intracellular PGs. No change of metabolism of either PG by lung, uterus or oviduct occurred at 24 or 72 h after an injection of 250 .mu.g estradiol cyclopentylpropionate given concomitantly with the hCG (a treatment regimen which causes tube locking of ova). Progesterone treatment, in a regimen known to cause accelerated transport of ova through the oviduct, caused significantly enhanced metabolism of both PGE-2 and PGF-2.alpha. by uterus and oviduct, but not lung, 30 and 48 h later except for PGE-2 by uterus at 30 h. Changes in metabolism of PGE-2 and PGF-2.alpha. by the oviduct may be involved in the mechanisms controlling ovum transport.