Luteal function in sows after unilateral infusion of PGF-2alpha into the anterior uterine vein on different days of the oestrous cycle.

Prostaglandin F-2alpha (1.5 mg over 10 h) was infused into the anterior uterine vein of pigs on Days 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 15 of the oestrous cycle. At each stage of the cycle PGF-2alpha suppressed luteal function although the fall in progesterone secretion was much greater and statistically significant when the infusion was performed on Days 12, 14 and 15 of the cycle than on Days 6, 8 and 10. The concentrations of cAMP was depressed on Days 15 and 17 and fatty degeneration of luteal cells on Days 6--8 or 14 was more pronounced in the ovary ipsilateral to the PGF-2alpha infusion than in the contralateral ovary. The results are compatible with the local perfusion of PGF-2alpha from the anterior uterine vein to the ipsilateral ovary, but a systemic effect was also apparent.