Follicular fluid prostaglandins in endometriosis and ovarian hyperstimulation

To study the presence of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), prostacyclin (PGI2), and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) in the human ovary, follicular fluid samples were collected with puncture at laparoscopy in 17 women with pelvic endometriosis, 17 women with tubal occlusion and healthy ovaries, and 5 women with tubal occlusion and induced ovarian hyperstimulation between menstrual cycle days 8 and 18. The concentrations of the metabolites of PGF2 alpha, PGI2, and TxA2, i.e., 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF2 alpha (M-PGF2 alpha), 6-keto PGF1 alpha, and TxB2, respectively, were measured with radioimmunoassays. Each prostanoid was detected in follicular fluid, but their concentrations were unrelated to the menstrual cycle day at collection. Moreover, these concentrations were similar in various groups of patients. The data suggest that the human ovary produces PGF2 alpha, PGI2, and TxA2 in vivo and that these prostanoids, as measured from follicular fluid, may not be of primary significance in ovulation or endometriosis.