Ovum Transport in Rabbits Injected with Prostaglandin E1 and F2α

Abstract
The effects of prostaglandins (PGs) on ovum transport were investigated in Dutch-belted rabbits. PGF or PGE1 (5 mg, sc) was administered 4, 9, or 13 h after ovulation (i.e., 14, 19, or 23 h after an injection of HCG). Animals were sacrificed either 5 or 6 h after treatment, the oviducts removed, divided into three equal segments, and flushed with saline. Neither PGF nor PGE2 given at 4 or 9 h after ovulation had an effect on the location of ova when the oviducts were examined 5 h posttreatment. PGF or PGE1 treatment at 13 h after ovulation resulted in accelerated ovum transport; the majority of ova in prostaglandin-treated animals (35/48 for PGE1; 37/42 for PGF) were found either in the proximal third of the oviduct, the uterus, or were not recovered. Unrecovered ova were assumed to be in the uterus or to have been transported through the reproductive tract. Prostaglandin treatment hastened the arrival of ova at the uterus by approximately 40 h. It is concluded that both PGF and PGE1 can accelerate ovum transport in the rabbit, when administered in pharmacologic doses.

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