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Real-time dynamics of prostaglandin F₂ release from uterus and corpus luteum during spontaneous luteolysis in the cow

¹ Department of Agricultural and Life Science and ² The Field Centre of Animal Science and Agriculture, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan and ³ Department of Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka

Correspondence should be addressed to Akio Miyamoto; Email: akiomiya{at}obihiro.ac.jp

Prostaglandin (PG) F₂ released from the uterus in a pulsatile fashion is essential to induce regression of the corpus luteum (CL) in the cow. In addition to the uterus, the CL has also been recognized as a site of PGF₂ production. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the detailed dynamics of the releasing profile of CL-derived PGF₂ together with uterus-derived PGF₂ during spontaneous luteolysis in the cow. Non-lactating Holstein cows (n = 6) were surgically implanted with a microdialysis system (MDS) on day 15 (oestrus = day 0) of the oestrous cycle. Simultaneously, catheters were implanted to collect ovarian venous plasma ipsilateral to the CL as well as jugular venous plasma. The concentrations of PGF₂, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF₂ (PGFM) and progesterone in the MDS and plasma samples were determined by enzyme immunoassays. The intra-luteal PGF₂ secretion slightly increased after the onset of luteolysis (0 h) and drastically increased from 24 h, and was maintained at high levels towards the following oestrus. Furthermore, PGF₂ was released from the CL into the ovarian vein in a pulsatile manner during spontaneous luteolysis. Also, the fact that intra-luteal secretion of PGF₂ and PGFM showed a positive correlation indicates the existence of a local metabolic pathway for PGF₂ in the CL. In conclusion, the present study clarified the real-time dynamics of uterus-derived PGF₂ and CL-derived PGF₂ during spontaneous luteolysis in the cow, and gives the first in vivo evidence that the CL releases PGF₂ during spontaneous luteolysis in the cow. Although the physiological relevance of CL-derived PGF₂ appears to be restricted to a local role as an autocrine/paracrine factor in the CL, overall results support the concept that the local release of PGF₂ within the regressing CL amplifies the luteolytic action of PGF₂ from the uterus.

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