[Prostaglandins and the physiology of human and animal reproduction].

This review of 417 publications in the literature covers various aspects of the role of prostaglandins in human and animal reproductive physiology. The author points out that there are a variety of prostaglandins all belonging to a family of substances that derive from arachadonic acid. They are present in many human and animal tissues, are extremely labile and are involved in reproduction in the ovary in follicular development and release of the follicle, in the tube in migration of the gametes, and in the uterus in implantation and delivery. The author says that the role of prostaglandins is not an exclusive one but they are linked with the hypothalamo-pituitary hormones, as well as with progesterone and oestrogens. It may be possible that PGE helps to initiate follicular development by stimulating the appearance of LH and FSH receptors. PGE is also luteotrophic. Indomethacin which is a prostaglandin inhibitor however does not modify the ability of LH to stimulate luteinization and maturation of the oocyte. The author postulates on the origin and the identification of the luteolytic factor and gives schematic illustration of the arterio-venous blood supply between the uterus and the ovary which is so important for the good function of the prostaglandins. It is possible that PGF type prostaglandins which are vasoconstrictor may reduce the flow of blood around the ovary, perhaps even specifically to luteal tissue. He postulates that PGF2 alpha in its relationship to its receptors is necessary but insufficient to explain the full luteolytic effect. Turning to the semen he shows that the nature and concentration of prostaglandins in semen varies from one species to another. He thinks that there is a triple role for prostaglandins with semen, which is: a participation in the events of ejaculation, an effect on the female genital tract, and an effect on the mobility of spermatozoa. He speaks of the role of prostaglandins on the Fallopian tubes and believes that they do have an effect on determining the movement of the tubes but cannot explain exactly what.