The concentration of 13,14-dihydro- 15-oxo-prostaglandin F2α in peripheral venous plasma throughout the normal ovarian and menstrual cycle

Abstract

The concentration of 13,14-dihydro-15-oxoprostaglandin F2.alpha. (PGFM) was measured in daily samples of peripheral venous plasma from 5 women throughout the ovarian or menstrual cycle. The values were combined by days, relative to a pre-ovulatory peak, the LH [lutropin] peak and to Day 1 of the next menstrual cycle. The patterns (geometric means) were related to the corresponding values for estradiol, LH and progesterone. There was considerable variation in the PGFM concentration (50-909 pmol/l; n = 140); the coefficient of variation within an individual cycle ranged from 30-74%. Two peaks-1 pre-ovulatory (associated with a marked increase in the level of circulating estradiol) and 1 pre-menstrual (associated with rapidly falling levels of circulating estradiol and progesterone) were apparent in all cycles. The PGFM concentration during the pre-ovulatory rise was 521 .+-. 325 pmol/l; mean .+-. SD and the corresponding value for the pre-menstrual rise was 571 .+-. 325; both peaks were significantly higher (P < 0.0025, P < 0.0005, respectively, Student''s t-test) than during the remainder of the cycle (257 .+-. 190). There was no significant difference, between the concentration during the follicular and luteal phases.