Induction of human luteolysis by high dose infusions of 150methyl PGF2 alpha

Previous data in the human generally indicate that therapeutic doses of prostaglandins (PGs) are not luteolytic. In an attempt to evaluate whether a high dose infusion (approx. 5 microgram/min for 6 hours) of a potent PG (15-methyl PGF2 alph) analogue is luteolytic, 15-methyl PGF2 alpha was administrated in the mid-luteal phase of 10 normally menstruating volunteers. The infusion induced a significant and sustained luteolytic response in 8 subjects as evidenced by a drop in progesterone levels and premature menstrual-like bleeding. In the other two cases luteal recovery was apparent from the regained normal plasma levels of progesterone and a normal cycle length. Thus, it can be concluded that luteolysis can be induced in humans by this PG provided that high dose infusions are utilized which also cause a lot of undesirable side-effects.