Luteolysis induced by prostaglandin F2 alpha in the lizard, Anolis carolinensis

The effect of exogenous prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF) on luteal function and morphology was examined in the lizard, Anolis carolinensis. Reproductively active females were injected with 1.0 micrograms PGF, 0.1 micrograms PGF, or 0.05 ml saline. Animals were killed 2, 6, or 24 hr after injection. Prostaglandin treatment induced luteolysis as evidenced by significant decreases in plasma progesterone concentration in animals sacrificed 6 and 24 hr after treatment. Both doses of PGF were effective. However, 0.1 micrograms PGF induced luteolysis in less than 50% of the treatment group. Luteal degradation became apparent at the cellular level 24 hr after PGF treatment whereas no significant changes were observed in corpora lutea of the 2- or 6-hr postinjection specimens. These data suggest that PGF is a luteolytic agent in reptiles.