Local luteolytic effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha in the human corpus luteum.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of prostaglandin (PG)F2 alpha on human corpus luteum (CL) function in vivo. DESIGN: The effects of a single injection of PGF2 alpha into the CL was studied. SETTING: The patients underwent elective surgery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Hospital, University of G?teborg, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty women with regular menstrual cycles undergoing laparoscopy for legal sterilization with tubal clips volunteered for the study. INTERVENTIONS: Prostaglandin F2 alpha (3 mg) was injected through the abdominal wall into the CL. In control cases, vehicle was injected into the CL or PGF2 alpha into the contralateral ovary. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: After the injections, serum was analyzed for progesterone (P) and luteinizing hormone using fluoroimmunoassay and enzyme-immunoassay, respectively. Menstrual data were recorded. RESULTS: In contrast to control cases, intraluteal injection of PGF2 alpha caused both an immediate fall of greater than 30% in serum P and a shortening of the luteal phase by 2 to 5 days. Luteinizing hormone varied independently of the changes in serum P levels. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a local role for PGF2 alpha in human luteolysis.