Ovarian stromal and luteal tissue prostaglandins, 17 beta-estradiol, and progesterone in relation to the phases of the menstrual cycle in women.

The concentrations of prostaglandin F2 alpha, prostaglandin E2, the 15-keto-13, 14-dihydro-metabolite of prostaglandin F2 alpha, progesterone, and 17 beta-estradiol were measured in 31 ovarian stromal tissue and 18 luteal tissues. Tissue samples were obtained during abdominal hysterectomy. The ovarian stromal tissue prostaglandin F2 alpha content during the late secretory and early proliferative phases was significantly higher (p less than 0.001) than in tissues obtained during any other phases of the menstrual cycle. The ovarian stromal tissue prostaglandin E2 content was significantly elevated (p less than 0.01) during the late proliferative and early secretory phases. The content of the prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite also was elevated (p less than 0.001) in ovarian stromal tissues obtained during the late proliferative and early secretory phases. Comparison of the concentrations of prostaglandins and sex steroids in ovarian stromal and luteal tissues indicate the latter to be far more active in terms of steroid and arachidonate metabolism. During the early luteal phase, when the luteal progesterone content was at its highest, both luteal and ovarian stromal tissue contents of prostaglandin E2 were also elevated. The late secretory phase of the menstrual cycle was characterized by lowered luteal progesterone content and a markedly elevated level of prostaglandin F2 alpha in luteal and ovarian stromal tissues. During cyclic ovarian activity in the woman, prostaglandin E2 predominated during the periovulatory phases while the period of luteal death was highlighted by the elevated prostaglandin F2 alpha content in ovarian stromal and luteal tissues.