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  • Title: Luteolysis in humans and subhuman primates.
    Author: Henzl MR.
    Journal: Res Prostaglandins; 1972 May; 1(5):1-3. PubMed ID: 12337004.
    Abstract:
    It has been suggested that pregnancy can be prevented by interfering with the function of the corpus luteum (CL) and that prostaglandins (PGs) may play a role in this approach because of its luteolytic effects in humans and infrahuman primates. The luteolytic action of PGs however has not been completely understood. It is not known to what extent the antifertility effect of PGs is attributed to the 'oxytocic' properties of the compound or to its ability to interfere with the function of the CL. 2 recent studies show that PGs suppress the steroidogenic potential of the ovary. The evaluation of animal experiments on the luteolytic effects of PGs is difficult because of the wide variations in blood progesterone levels during normal fertile cycles. It is possible that a decrease in blood progesterone levels is secondary to the impaired function of the chorionic tissue caused by uterine contractions. Some studies in humans suggest that the mechanism of the abortifacient action of prostaglandins in early pregnancy is related to the effect on the CL. The effects of PGs on the CL during the normal cycle are being investigated. The studies attempt to determine whether PGs will induce premature menstrual bleeding in the absence of pregnancy. Administration of PGE2 during the early postovulatory period does not prevent the continuous increase in blood progesterone levels typical for this time. PGE2 administration at the peak of the luteal phase does not substantially affect blood progesterone levels; similarly, at the end of the cycle, the physiological decline of corpus luteum function is not precipitated. The same reaction is observed with PGF2alpha during normal cycles as well as during a luteal phase artificially prolonged by exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin administration. A study of the local effect of PGF2alpha infused into the aorta of the rhesus monkey via a femoral catheter suggest that this in vivo preparation induces rapid and marked inhibition of luteal steroidogenesis. Studies on PG effects on the ovary contribute substantially to knowledge of ovarian physiology.
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