Bioscientifica Proceedings

Primary cultures of luteal cells have been used to determine both acute and chronic effects of cytokines on luteal cell function and viability. Gonadotrophin-stimulated progesterone production is inhibited by interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor a (TNF-α), or gamma-interferon (IFN-γ), the last two cytokines being more effective than IL-I. In contrast, all three cytokines are potent stimulators of prostaglandin production by these cells. The mechan...

This review focuses on factors that may affect the sensitivity of the corpus luteum to uterine prostaglandin F2α, (PGF2α) and embryonic signals. The heterogeneity of the types of cell that are present within the corpus luteum results in complex interactions that ensure complete luteal regression in response to PGF2α. There is not likely to be a single factor that determines responsiveness. The sensitivity of the corpus luteum dep...