EN
Kotwica, J., Schams, D. and Meyer,H.H.D.: Secretion and metabolism of prostaglandin F₂α by endometrial tissue obtained at different days of the oestrous cycle in cattle. Acta physiol, pol., 1908, 39(5-6): 404-490. Two mature heifers were slaughtered on days 3, 6-7, 10-11, 16, 18-19 or on day 21 of the oesterus cycle. Endometrium was incubated in quadruplicates with medium-199 at 37 C and a water saturated gas phase of 95% O₂ + 5% CO₂. Half ml medium samples were taken after 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation for determination of PGF₂α and PGFM. PGF₂α was secreted by endometrium at each stage of the oestrous cycle. Maximal secretion was measured around oestrus (p<0.01) compared with days 6-16 of the cycle. Concentration of PGFM in medium had a similar trend. Highest ability of endometrium for PGF₂α metabolism (indicated by the ratio PGF₂α:PGFM) was on days 6-16 of the cycle. Data suggest that PGF₂α metabolism by the endometrium may depend on ovarian steroids and that this metabolism may also protect the corpus luteum from the luteolytic action of PGF₂α besides reduced production of this prostaglandin during the luteal phase.