Biology of Reproduction, Vol 14, 451-457, Copyright © 1976 by Society for the Study of Reproduction

Effects of Indomethacin and ICI 46,474 Administered During Ovum Transport on Fertility in Rabbits

¹ Center for Research and Training in Reproductive Biology and Voluntary Regulation of Fertility and the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78284

Prostaglandins, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors and an antiestrogen (ICI 46,474) have been administered during ovum transport in inseminated rabbits. Fertility was not significantly altered by 15 methyl derivatives of prostaglandins or prostaglandin F₂, at the doses used. Prostaglandin E₂, indomethacin (1 mg/kg/dose) meclofenamate and ICI 46,474 decreased the mean number of implantations. Higher doses of indomethacin (10 mg/kg/dose) increased implantations. Prostaglandin F₂ and ICI 46,474 accelerated ovum transport. Indomethacin (both doses) caused retention of ova in the oviducts at 66 h after HCG compared to controls but not at 72 h after HCG; the lower dose caused rapid expulsion of ova from the uterus. These experiments suggest that ovum transport and/or embryo maintenance is susceptible to disruption by drugs acting at a variety of sites.

Note:
ACKNOWLEDGMENT The assistance of Betty Allee, Susan Daly, and Lenore Weinberg is gratefully acknowledged. The following companies kindly donated drugs for this study: Upjohn, Kalamazoo, Michigan; Parke-Davis, Detroit, Michigan; and Imperial Chemicals Industries United States, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware.