Human luteal tissue prostaglandins, 17 beta-estradiol, and progesterone in relation to the growth and senescence of the corpus luteum.

Prostaglandins (PG) E2 and F2 alpha, the 13,14-dihydro-15-keto metabolite of PGF2 alpha, 17 beta-estradiol, and progesterone (P) were measured in luteal tissues obtained from 28 women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for various benign gynecologic conditions. The highest concentration of PGF2 alpha was found in corpora lutea in the late luteal phase, in which the P concentration was lower than in corpora lutea from earlier phases of the cycle. In postovulatory corpora lutea, PGF2 alpha levels were low, while those of PGE2 and P were high. A positive correlation existed between concentrations of P and PGE2 in luteal tissues throughout the cycle. The results suggest that PGE2 may exert a trophic influence on luteal steroidogenesis and that PGF2 alpha is involved in human luteal regression.