In the corpus luteum (CL), prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) is a physiological agent with luteolytic actions. Nitric oxide (NO) is a messenger molecule capable of modulating diverse pathophysiological processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of ovarian NO in PGE (a luteotrophic prostanoid) and PGF(2alpha) (a luteolytic prostanoid) production and in progesterone synthesis during CL regression in the rat. To obtain a longer functional CL, we used a pseudopregnant (PSP) rat model. By means of intrabursa ovarian sac treatment of two competitive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 1 mg/kg) and N(W)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 3 mg/kg), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0.05 mg/kg) as a NO generator, we found that NO, produced by the ovarian tissue during the last 2 days of CL development (days 8 and 9), increased PGF(2alpha) production in the ovary and diminished serum progesterone concentrations leading to CL involution. We also proposed a positive feedback mechanism between PGF(2alpha) and NO, to ensure luteal regression. Thus, we injected intraperitoneally a luteolytic dose (3 microg/kg) of a synthetic PGF(2alpha) during the mid and late phase of CL development. Ovarian NOS activity was evaluated. The results confirmed our hypothesis; we did not see any effect in the mid-stage of CL development, but increased ovarian NOS activity was found in PGF(2alpha)-injected late pseudopregnant rats.
