Mechanisms controlling corpus luteum function in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta): inhibitory action of hCG on luteolysis induced by PGF2α

in Reproduction
Authors:
F. J. Auletta
Search for other papers by F. J. Auletta in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
and
L. B. Kelm
Search for other papers by L. B. Kelm in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/jrf.0.1020215
Volume/Issue:
Volume 102: Issue 1
Page Range:
215–220
Article Type:
Research Article
Online Publication Date:
Sep 1994
Free access

Sign up for journal news

The aim of this study was to determine whether daily increasing doses of hCG could overcome luteal regression induced by PGF2α in rhesus monkeys. Prostaglandin F2α (10 ng μl−1 h−1) or vehicle (tham buffer; 1 μl h−1) was infused directly into the corpus luteum for 7 days, beginning 7 days after the preovulatory oestradiol surge. hCG was injected i.m. in increasing doses (15, 30, 60, 90, 180, 360 and 720 iu) for 7 days, starting on the eighth day after the preovulatory oestradiol surge, or 1 day after the initiation of luteal infusion of PGF2α or vehicle. Monkeys receiving vehicle plus hCG on the same days served as controls. Daily progesterone, oestradiol and hCG concentrations were determined from blood drawn from the saphenous or femoral vein, and the duration of the luteal phases were recorded. Where intraluteally infused PGF2α resulted in premature, functional luteolysis, hCG always inhibited the luteolytic effect of PGF2α; the secretory patterns of progesterone and oestradiol were augmented, and peak values were reached in concert with the highest concentration of hCG in the blood, and the luteal phase was significantly increased compared with those of untreated monkeys or with monkeys treated with PGF2α alone or vehicle. Treatment with hCG alone or with PGF2α vehicle also resulted in maintained luteal function and a significantly longer luteal phase, but both progesterone and oestradiol concentrations began to decline before hCG reached peak values in the circulation. Once the hCG regimen was concluded, luteal regression ensued and menses occurred at a time coincident with decreased steroid endometrial support. These results are the first to show that hCG can inhibit luteal regression induced by PGF2α in vivo, and are contrary to results obtained in vitro using minced or sliced luteal cells, which indicates that PGF2α inhibits the trophic action of LH or hCG on progesterone secretion. We conclude that in the rhesus monkey, hCG can completely abolish the luteolytic effect of PGF2α through an unknown mechanism.

Reproduction is committed to supporting researchers in demonstrating the impact of their articles published in the journal.

The two types of article metrics we measure are (i) more traditional full-text views and pdf downloads, and (ii) Altmetric data, which shows the wider impact of articles in a range of non-traditional sources, such as social media.

More information is on the Reasons to publish page.

Sept 2018 onwards Past Year Past 30 Days
Full Text Views 123 53 1
PDF Downloads 37 11 1

 

  • Collapse
  • Expand
Print ISSN:
1470-1626
Online ISSN:
1741-7899