Female reproduction in mice lacking the prostaglandin F receptor - Roles of prostaglandin and oxytocin receptors in parturition

Abstract

Female mice lacking the receptor for prostaglandin F2α (FP) do not deliver fetuses at term, although these can be successfully rescued by cesarean section. No induction of oxytocin receptor mRNA is found in the uterus of these mice, and they show no uterine contraction on intravenous administration of oxytocin. Furthermore, a decline in serum progesterone levels during the periparturition period is not observed in these animals. Ovariectomy at day 19 of pregnancy restored induction of the oxytocin receptor and caused successful delivery in these animals. These results indicate not only the essential role of luteolytic PGF2α action in natural parturition but also the importance of oxytocin receptor induction in this process.