Effect of indomethacin on prostaglandin and steroid synthesis by the marmoset ovary in vivo.

Indomethacin decreased Prostaglandin F 2 alpha levels in the ovaries of marmoset monkeys which were treated with PMS/HCG. The production of estradiol and progesterone, however, was unaffected by the blockade in prostaglandin synthesis. The number of ovulations following PMS/HCG treatment was significantly reduced by indomethacin treatment. These observations suggest that prostaglandins are required for follicular rupture but not for progesterone and estradiol production by the ovary.