Transient Luteolytic Effect of Prostaglandin E2 in Humans

Abstract

Prostaglandin E2 was administered by i.v. infusion to ten non pregnant volunteers at a constant dose rate of 4.5μg/min for 5.5 hours with a mean total dose of 1.5 mg. The infusion was accompanied by flushing, local pain, erythema, abdominal cramps and vomiting. The menstrual cycles were normal in every aspect except its earlier occurrence in some women. An acute drop in plasma progesterone occurred after half an hour in the majority of cases, but this decline was ransient, since most cases showed a clear post‐infusion recovery.