Prostaglandin content of human endometrium.

Prostaglandin levels in 46 human endometrium specimens were determined and expressed as both total uterine content and on a dry weight basis. Concentrations of PGF2alpha and PGE did not differ significantly between specimens obtained during the proliferative or secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. There was, however, a fourfold higher total uterine content of prostaglandins during the secretory phase. There was also a more than fourfold higher level of PGF2alpha than of PGE during the secretory phase. The two types of prostaglandins were present in nearly equal amounts during the proliferative phase. Atrophic endometrium was characterized by a high concentration of prostaglandins, but a low total amount consisting of nearly equal amounts of PGF2alpha and PGE.