Suppression of prostaglandin F-2 release and delay of luteolysis after active immunization against oxytocin in the goat

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Abstract
Active immunization against oxytocin significantly prolonged the oestrous cycle in 3 out of 4 goats; the mean (.+-. s.e.m.) cycle length was 29.1 .+-. 1.7 days (n = 12) compared to 19.4 .+-. 0.6 days (n = 9) in control animals. During Days 10-21 of the cycle in the 3 responsive goats, peripheral plasma concentrations of progesterone and oxytocin were steady and those of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F-2.alpha. were very low (50-100 pg .cntdot. ml-1) with no marked pulsatile activity. The major effect of immunization would appear to be suppression of the synthesis of the uterine luteolysin PGF-2.alpha. thus confirming that endogenous oxytocin has a facilitatory role in luteolysis via prostaglandin production.