Inhibition of ovulation in marmoset monkeys by indomethacin

The effect of indomethacin on human menopausal gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin-induced ovulation was studied in marmoset monkeys. Indomethacin was effective in preventing follicular rupture and ovum extrusion when administered simultaneously with gonadotropin. The production of progesterone and luteinization of the granulosa cells were not affected by indomethacin treatment. Histologic examination of corpora lutea from indomethacin-treated animals revealed the presence of entrapped oocytes surrounded by luteal cells. These results suggest that prostaglandin synthesis is required for ovulation in this species, but not for luteinization and progesterone production.