Effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha on oviduct contractility in marmoset monkeys

Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) increased oviductal contractility under different hormonal conditions. Changes in the response of the oviduct to PGF2 alpha were observed during the reproductive cycle. The response to PGF2 alpha was reduced during the follicular phase, but it increased markedly following both spontaneous and human chorionic gonadotropin-induced ovulation. During the luteal phase the effect of PGF2 alpha on the oviduct was significantly greater than during the follicular phase. The spontaneous motility of the oviduct also increased significantly following ovulation. This increase in motility occurred when progesterone blood levels reached values higher than 1.5 ng/ml, and it was not suppressed by indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis.