Possible role of prostaglandin F in blastocyst implantation

The synthesis and release of Prostaglandin F (PGF) by the rabbit blastocyst and endometrium were investigated on Day 6 and Day 7, using radioimmunoassay, autoradiography and conversion experiments. The following results were obtained: The content of PGF in the blastocyst increased significantly (P less than 0.01) from Day 6 to Day 7. The content of PGF in the endometrium was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) on Day 7 implantation sites compared to the other areas. The in vitro synthesis and release of PGF by Day 6 blastocysts sharply increased after one and two hours of culture, respectively. Thereafter both values declined with time. The in vitro synthesis and release of PGF by Day 6 endometria increased continuously with time. 14C-arachidonic acid (14C-AA) was incorporated into Day 6 blastocysts in vitro and converted to PGF2 alpha. These results suggest that both the endometrium and the blastocyst are the sources of the PGs involved in implantation, and that PGF derived from the blastocysts may act as the trigger of implantation.