Luteolytic action of 15-keto prostaglandin F2α in the rhesus monkey

The naturally-occurring metabolite of prostaglandin F_2α, 15-keto prostaglandin F_2α (15-keto PGF_2α), elicited rapid and sustained declines in serum progesterone concentrations when administered to rhesus monkeys beginning on day 22 of normal menstrual cycles. Evidence for luteolysis of a more convincing nature was obtained in studies where a single dose of 15-keto PGF_2α was given on day 20 of ovulatory menstrual cycles in which intramuscular injections of hCG were also given on days 18–20; serum progesterone concentrations fell precipitously in monkeys within 24 hours following intramuscular administration of 15-keto PGF_2α. However, corpus luteum function was impaired in only 4 of 11 early pregnant monkeys when 15-keto PGF_2α was administered on days 30 and 31 from the last menses, a time when the ovary is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. Gestation failed in 2 additional monkeys 32 and 60 days after treatment with 15-keto PGF_2α, but progressed in an apparently normal manner in the remaining 5 animals. Two pregnant monkeys treated with 15-keto PGF_2α on day 42 from the last menstrual period, a time when the ovary is no longer required for gestation, continued their pregnancies uneventfully. Corpus luteum function was not impaired in 9 control monkeys which received injections of vehicle or hCG at appropriate times during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.