Serum FSH, LH and testosterone in the male rhesus following prostaglandin injection

Adult male rhesus were treated with PGE₂, PGF_2α or the 13,14-dihydro-15-keto metabolite of PGE₂ in a randomized crossover design. Serum concentrations of FSH, LH and testosterone were determined and compared to the respective values in the same uninjected animals. No significant changes were noted in controls or following the metabolite injection. FSH increased gradually for 4 hours after metabolite treatment. In contrast, injection of PGF_2α was followed by an abrupt (within 15 minutes) increase in LH and testosterone. FSH increased gradually in 2 of 3 treated animals. Injection of PGE₂ was followed by a similar abrupt increase in LH concentration. This was not always associated with a significant increase in testosterone or FSH. These results demonstrate that injections of PGE₂ or PGF_2α can change serum gonadotropin and testosterone concentrations in male rhesus monkeys, and that the effects of these two prostaglandins are qualitatively different.