Prolactin inhibits ovulation by reducing ovarian plasmin generation.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of prolactin (PRL) on gonadotropin-induced ovulation and the biosynthesis of prostaglandin (PG), leukotriene (LT), and plasmin in in vitro perfused rabbit ovaries. The addition of PRL to the perfusate inhibited hCG-induced ovulation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Although exposure to hCG significantly increased PGF2 alpha, PGE2, and LTB4 production by perfused rabbit ovaries, PRL did not affect the secretion rates of PGs and LTB4 stimulated by hCG administration. The ovarian plasmin generation was determined by measuring the amount of plasmin bound to its major inhibitor, alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2PI-Plm). Exposure to hCG enhanced biphasically the ovarian secretion rate of alpha 2 PI-Plm, while PRL at a dose of 10(3) ng/ml significantly inhibited the hCG-stimulated generation of alpha 2 PI-Plm in ovaries throughout the entire perfusion period. A significant correlation was observed between ovulatory efficiency and ovarian plasmin generation in the PRL-treated ovaries. Additionally, PRL inhibited intrafollicular concentrations of alpha 2 PI-Plm in hCG-treated ovaries in a dose-dependent manner. These observations substantiate an essential role for a plasma-generating system in the cascade of events leading to ovulation. In conclusion, PRL may act directly on the ovary and block ovulation, at least in part, via the inhibition of ovarian plasmin generation.