Summary
The effect of continuous intrauterine administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) or indomethacin or indomethacin together with PGF2α and PGE2 or vehicle on fertilization of rabbits was studied.
These substances and vehicle were delivered into the cornua of the uterus via an Alzet
minipump for 11 days. The animals were inseminated vaginallly. Compared with controls
(104 eggs of which 88.5% were fertilized) a reduction of the fertilization rate was
observed with indomethacin (74 eggs of which 70% were fertilized). Exogenously added
PGF2α did not change the fertilization rate.
The administration of indomethacin together with PGE2 raised the fertilization rate to 86% (63 eggs of which 54 were fertilized). The application
of PGF2α together with indomethacin showed a fertilization rate of 85% (59 eggs of which 50
were fertilized).
The indomethacin application was associated with a reduction of prostaglandin production
in several tissues from the female genital tract, showing that indomethacin is taken
up by the endometrium of the rabbit.
The ovary, oviduct, cervix and vagina were mainly affected by this treatment.
The route of transport of this drug is not known, however.
The reduction of the total number of eggs together with the decrease of the fertilization
rate after indomethacin administration point towards multiregional sites of interference
of prostaglandins in reproductive functions.
PGF2α seems to be the more important factor since PGE2 may be converted to PGF2α in reproductive tissues.
Key-Words
Prostaglandin F2α
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Indomethacin
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Fertilization of Rabbits
