Fluoroprostaglandins: synthesis and biological evaluation of the methyl esters of (+)-12-fluoro-, (-)-ent-12-fluoro-, (+)-15-epi-fluoro-, and (-)-ent-15 epi-12-fluoroprostaglandin F2 alpha.

The synthesis and biological activity of the methyl esters of (+)-12-fluoroPGF2 alpha, (+)-15-epi-12-fluoroPGF2 alpha, (-)-ent-12-flurorPGF2 alpha, and (-)-ent-15-epi-12-fluoroPGF2 alpha are described. Each fluoroprostaglandin has been evaluated from pregnancy interruption in the hamster and smooth-muscle stimulating effects on gerbil colon and hamster uterine strips. All fluoroprostaglandins synthesized were shown to be neither substrates for the 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase nor inhibitors of the enzyme.