The effect of prostaglandins F1 alpha and F2 alpha on spermatogenesis

The effect of the prostaglandins F1 alpha and F2 alpha on spermatogenesis in the mature male mouse has been studied. Administration of prostaglandins F1 alpha and F2 alpha subcutaneously at a dose of 3 mg/kg once a day for 15 days produced a pronounced decrease in spermatogenesis primarily during the meiotic phase as reflected by a significant decrease in stage 7 spermatids as compared to controls. PGF2 alpha produced a stronger suppression than did PGF1 alpha. Accessory reproductive gland weights also appeared to be reduced by the prostaglandins, although not consistently. Histopathological examination revealed increased numbers of exfoliated immature germinal cells in the seminiferous tubules and epididymi of prostaglandin treated animals. When the effect of PGF1 alpha and PGF2 alpha were compared to those of PGE1 and PGE2 it was found that PGE2 produced the strongest suppression, with PGF2 alpha, PGE1 and PGF1 following in decreasing order respectively.