Oviposition and the plasma concentrations of LH, progesterone and corticosterone in bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) fed parathion

Abstract

Summary. Studies of prostaglandin (PG) production by uterine homogenates of rats in early pseudopregnancy and pregnancy showed that production of 6-oxo-PGF-1α, PGF-2α and PGE-2 peaked on Day 5 of pseudopregnancy whereas only 6-oxo-PGF-1α and PGE-2 peaked on Day 5 of pregnancy, the day of implantation. 6-Oxo-PGF-1α was the major product in both reproductive states. Indomethacin treatment of rats during early pregnancy caused a delay in implantation, a significant reduction in uterine weight, and a much reduced number or absence of implanted blastocysts in the uterus on Day 9. Plasma progesterone levels were also significantly lower in indomethacin-treated, pregnant rats. These findings support roles for prostaglandins in implantation, and in fetal development.