Does increased PGF2 alpha receptor concentration mediate PGF2 alpha-induced luteolysis during early diestrus in the pig?

The mechanism by which multiple injections of PGF2 alpha result in premature luteolysis in pigs is unknown. In the present study we evaluated whether PGF2 alpha receptor concentrations on large luteal cells changed when gilts were injected IM with 12.5 mg of PGF2 alpha every 12 hours from the morning of day 5 of an estrous cycle (estrus = day 0) until ovariectomy on day 6, 7, 8, or 9. Luteal PGF2 alpha receptor concentrations remained constant from day 6 through 9 in the PGF2 alpha-treated group, but increased linearly (P > 0.05) in control gilts from day 6 to 9. Receptor affinity for PGF2 alpha did not change throughout the study in either PGF2 alpha-treated or control gilts. Luteal progesterone concentrations were significantly lower in PGF2 alpha-treated gilts than in control gilts only on day 9. Histological examination of luteal tissue obtained from PGF2 alpha-treated gilts revealed definite evidence of luteolysis by day 8. We conclude that PGF2 alpha-induced premature luteolysis is not mediated by an increase in luteal PGF2 alpha receptor concentrations and, based on luteal progesterone concentrations and histological features, that the PGF2 alpha-based protocol used to shorten the estrous cycle is accompanied by premature functional and structural luteal regression.