Auto/paracrine role of prostaglandins in corpus luteum function.

The homeostasis and ephemerality of the corpus luteum (CL) involves an intriguing interplay amongst pituitary, placental and intraovarian regulators. Recent findings have indicated a local pathway of synthesis for the cyclooxygenase-derived prostaglandins (PGs) in luteal cells of all mammalian species investigated. Thus, an autocrine or paracrine role of intraluteal PGs in modulation of luteal steroidogenesis is implicated. The presence of immune cells in the ovary indicates a constitutive role of these cells and their secretory products, in particular the cytokines, some of which have been demonstrated to greatly influence luteal PG and progesterone production. Despite the plentitude of investigations, a precise role for PGs other than PGF2 alpha in regulation of CL function is still obscure, mainly lacking evidence of cell-specific expression of various classes of PG receptors and their intracellular signaling mechanisms.