Evidence for the essential role of prostaglandins for parturition in a marsupial, Macropus eugenii

Abstract

Female tammar wallabies were treated prepartum with the prostaglandin synthase inhibitor indomethacin, with or without the dopamine agonist bromocriptine, to suppress the peripartum pulses of plasma prostaglandin and prolactin. The animals were observed continuously to detect birth, and a series of blood samples taken to define the hormonal profiles before and immediately after parturition. Birth was observed in ten of twelve control animals but not in the six animals treated with indomethacin alone or the six animals treated with indomethacin and bromocriptine. Indomethacin disrupted the normal profile of PGF(2α) metabolite 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F(2α) (PGFM) concentrations, an..