PROSTAGLANDIN-F2-ALPHA AND E(2) PRODUCTION INTO UTERINE LYMPH OF PREGNANT AND NONPREGNANT EWES

Uterine lymphatic cannulation was performed in pregnant and non-pregna nt ewes so that serial lymph samples could be analysed for prostagland ins (PGs) on day 12 to 18 after oestrus. The production of PGF(2 alpha ) into uterine lymph showed peaks of > 1000 pg/h between days 14 and 1 8 of the oestrous cycle. Such peaks were either absent or much reduced (< 900 pg/h) over the same period in four pregnant animals. PGE(2) pr oduction into uterine lymph remained low (< 510 pg/h) both in the four non-pregnant animals in the later part of the oestrous cycle and in t hree of four pregnant animals between days 14 to 18 post mating.