A role of prostaglandin in the secretion of inhibin and oestradiol-17 beta in equine chorionic gonadotrophin-primed rats.

The role of prostaglandins in the secretion of inhibin and oestradiol-17 beta was examined in immature female rats treated with equine chorionic gonadotrophin. Administration of prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha to animals whose serum and ovarian levels of inhibin and oestradiol-17 beta had been suppressed by indomethacin given 24 h after equine chorionic gonadotrophin prevented the inhibition or restored the levels to normal. Initiation of PGF2 alpha replacement immediately after treatment with indomethacin was more effective. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that PGs play a regulatory role in the synthesis and secretion of inhibin and oestradiol-17 beta by the rat ovary.