Frances A. Kimball

Prostaglandin E1 and F2α specific binding in bovine corpora lutea: Comparison with luteolytic effects

Preliminary characterization indicated the presence of separate prostaglandin (PG)E1 and (PG)F2alpha binding sites in membrane fractions prepared from bovine corpora lutea. These differ in the rate and temperature dependence of the specific binding. Equilibrium binding data indicate the apparent dissociation constants as 1.32 x 10(-9)M and 1.1 x 10(-8)M for PGE1 and PGF2alpha, respectively. Competition of several natural prostaglandins for the PGE1 and PGF2alpha bovine luteal specific binding sites indicates specificity for the 9-keto or 9alpha-hydroxyl moiety, respectively. Differences in relative ability to inhibit 3H-PG binding were found due to sensitivity to the absence or presence of the 5, 6-cis-double bond as well. Bovine luteal function was affected following treatment of heifers with 25 mg PGF2alpha as measured by reduced estrous cycle length, decreased corpus luteum size and significantly decreased plasma progesterone levels. In contract, treatment with 25 mg PGE1 resulted in cycle lengths comparable to those of non-treated herdmates with no apparent modification in corpus luteum size. However, plasma progesterone levels were increased significantly following PGE1 treatment compared to pretreatment values. In so far as data obtained in vitro on PGF2alpha relative binding affinity to the bovine CL can be compared to data obtained independently in vitro on PGF2alpha induced luteolysis in the bovine, PGF2alpha relative binding to the CL and luteolysis appeared to be associated. By similar reasoning, there was no apparent relationship between PGE1 relative binding affinity in the luteal fractions and luteolysis in estrous cyclic cattle.

Prostaglandin F2α specific binding in equine corpora lutea

Abstract Preliminary studies indicate the presence of PGF 2α specific binding sites in membrane fractions prepared from equine corpora lutea. The equilibrium binding data indicate an apparent dissociation constant of 3.2 × 10 −9 M and the concentration of binding sites of ∼0.1 pmoles/mg membrane protein. Competition of several natural prostaglandins for equine luteal PGF 2α specific binding sites indicates specificity for the 9α-hydroxyl moiety and the 5,6-cis doublebond. Significant increases in relative binding affinities were demonstrated for PGF 2α analogs with a phenyl ring introduced at carbons 16 or 17. Specific PGF 2α binding was demonstrated in corpora lutea collected at known stages of the estrous cycle. There was no pattern in these values based on the stage of the cycle. While specific 3 H-PGE 1 binding could be demonstrated, no high affinity sites could be quantitated. 3 H-PGE 1 binding appeared unaffected by changes in temperature or time of incubation, whereas PGF 2α specific binding was significantly modified by both these factors.

Synthesis and biological properties of 9-deoxo-16,16-dimethyl-9-methylene-PGE2.

The in vivo monkey uterine stimulating potency of 9-deoxy-16,16-dimethyl-9-methylene-PGE2 is similar to that of 16,16-dimethyl-PGE2 and approximately 15 times that of PGE2. Low doses of this compound stimulated uterine contractions when administered vaginally. Pregnancy was terminated prematurely following subcutaneous, intramuscular or vaginal suppository treatment. Estimates of potential for gastrointestinal side effects using the rat enteropooling assay and in vivo monkey effects indicate that diarrhea will be substantially reduced with retention of uterine stimulating potency.

Prostaglandin specific binding in hamster myometrial low speed supernatant

A charcoal adsorption method was developed to measure specific prostaglandin binding in low speed supernates of hamster myometrial homogenates. This method was used to characterize and quantitate PGE-1-specific binding. The equilibrium binding constants and the concentration of specific PGE-1 binding sites were determined during the hamster estrous cycle. The apparent association constant for 12 different preparations was 1.16 plus or minus 0.08 times 10-9M-1. The concentration of PGE-1 specific binding sites was significantly higher on days 2 and 3 of the estrous cycle that it was on days 1 or 4. The competition for PGE-1 binding sites by PGE-2, PGF-2alpha, tpga-1 and various PGE-1 metabolites and derivatives was measured in hamster myometrial homogenates. Relative affinities of the natural prostaglandins for the PGE-1 binding sites, calculated by parallel line assay, were: PGE-2 greater than PGE-1 greater than PGA-1 greater than PGF-2alpha. For PGE-1 metabolites the relative affinities were: PGE-1 greater than 13,14-dihydro-PGE-1 greater than 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE-1 greater than 15-keto-PGE-1. For the analogs and derivatives the compounds tested ranked as: 16,16-dimethyl-PGE-1 greater than PGE-1 methyl ester greater than 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGE-1 greater than 15(S) 15-methyl-PGE-1 methyl ester. Arachidonic acid, bis-homo-gamma-linolenic acid and 7-oxa-13 prostynoic acid had relative affinities greater than 0.1 compared to PGE-1 equal 100. Indomethacin had a relative affinity of 0.4 compared to PGE-1.

Serum FSH, LH and testosterone in the male rhesus following prostaglandin injection

Adult male rhesus were treated with PGE2, PGF2 alpha or the 13,14-dihydro-15-keto metabolite of PGE2 in a randomized crossover design. Serum concentrations of FSH, LH and testosterone were determined and compared to the respective values in the same uninjected animals. No significant changes were noted in controls or following the metabolite injection. FSH increased gradually for 4 hours after metabolite treatment. In contrast, injection of PGF2 alpha was followed by an abrupt (within 15 minutes) increase in LH and testosterone. FSH increased gradually in 2 of 3 treated animals. Injection of PGE2 was followed by a similar abrupt increase in LH concentration. This was not always associated with a significant increase in testosterone or FSH. These results demonstrate that injections of PGE2 or PGF2 alpha can change serum gonadotropin and testosterone concentrations in male rhesus monkeys, and that the effects of these two prostaglandins are qualitatively different.

Comparison of luteolytic effectiveness of several prostaglandin analogs in heifers and relative binding affinity for bovine luteal prostaglandin binding sites

The relative binding affinities for both the prostaglandin (PG)E1 and PGF2alpha specific bovine luteal binding sites were determined for five PGE and fourteen PGF derivatives and analogs. Relative binding affinity was determined in vitro using membranes prepared from bovine corpora luteal (CL) obtained from the slaughterhouse. The parent structure of the analog was a dominant feature in determining the affinity for the respective PG binding site. Luteolysis was determined in cattle following intramuscular injection of various doses of prostaglandin once between days 6 and 14 after estrus and measuring CL regression by ovarian palpation per rectum, interval between injection and return to estrus and duration of the subsequent estrous cycle. A dose which was luteolytic was established for each of eight PGF-type compounds, and a dose which was not luteolytic was also established. There appeared to be limited association between the relative affinity for the PGF2alpha specific site in vitro and the estimated luteolytic dose range of these PGF analogs when tested in cattle. Differences in in vivo luteolytic potency for the compounds tested could not be explained by differences in binding affinity. Differences in metabolism and absorption may also be important in the determination of in vivo potency.

Prostaglandin E1 specific binding in rhesus myometrium

Myometrial low speed supernatant prepared from non-pregnant rhesus uteri was incubated with 3H-Prostaglandin (PG)E1 with or without addition of unlabelled prostaglandins. The uptake of 3H-PGE1 was inhibited in a dose dependent fashion by PGE2greater thanPGE1greater thanPGA1greater thanpgf2alpha=PGA1greater thanPGB1=PGB2greater than or equal toPGD2. PGE1 metabolites inhibited 3H-PGE1 binding in the following order: 13, 14-dihydro-PGE1greater than13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE1=15-keto-PGE1. The specific binding of 3H-PGE1 and 3H-PGF2alpha was similarly affected by the temperature and time of incubation. Equilibrium binding constants determined using rhesus uteri obtained during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle indicate the presence of high affinity PGE1 binding sites with an average (n=3) apparent dissociation constant of 2.2 X 10(-9)M and a lower affinity PGE1 binding site with a Kd approximately equal to 1 X 10(-8)M. No high affinity - low capacity 3H-PGF2alpha sites could be demonstrated. Relative uterine stimulating potencies of some natural prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogs tested after acute intravenous administration in mid-pregnant rhesus monkeys corresponded with the PGE1 binding inhibition of the respective compound. The uterine stimulating potencies of the prostaglandin analogs tested were: (15S)-15-methyl-PGE2=16,16-dimethyl-PGE2greater than17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGE2greater than16 phenoxy-17,18,19,20-tetranor-PGF2alpha=PGE2=PGE1=(15S)-15-methyl-PGF2alpha greater than PGF2alpha.

Effects of 15(S)-15-Methyl Prostaglandin F2α Methyl Ester-Containing Silastic Discs in Male Rats

Silicone rubber discs containing 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F 2α methyl ester (15-Me-PGF 2α ) in the matrix were implanted in the left side of the scrotums of Sprague-Dawley rats. The effect of 1% and 2% drug concentration was examined for 10, 20, or 28 days and compared with the effects of Silastic discs containing no prostaglandin. The discs containing prostaglandin reduced mean testicular and accessory gland weights. Histologically the testes and epididymides showed decreased or absent spermatogenic elements and hypertrophy of the interstitial cell masses in comparison with other cells. Implanted prostaglandin significantly depressed serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations when 15-Me-PGF2aplasma concentrations exceeded 2ng/ml. Hormone concentrations returned to control values as drug concentrations declined. FSH concentrations significantly exceeded control values 10 and 20 days after implantation, when prostaglandin concentration was nondetectable. The acute suppression of all three hormones suggests that 15-Me-PGF 2α either may act directly on the testes to suppress testosterone production or may suppress gonadotropin secretion, resulting in depressed testosterone output.

Steroid-induced urogenital tract changes and urine retention in laboratory rodents.

Since previous literature suggested that estrogen-treated male mice are models for human benign prostatic hypertrophy, a series of studies was designed to examine urine retention and urogenital tract changes in rodents given chronic estradiol-17 beta (E) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatments. In Study 1, intact and castrate male mice received E, DHT or E plus DHT for four weeks via subcutaneous Silastic capsules. Bladder urine volume increased in the groups given E and this effect was not altered by castration, DHT or removal of E capsules two weeks before necropsy. Estrogen treatment also increased mortality. In Study 2, intact male, intact female, adrenalectomized (Adx) male and sham Adx male mice received 16 weeks of steroid treatments. Bladder urine volume increased in all E treated groups regardless of sex or Adx. Hydronephrosis, hydroureter and increased mortality were found in the E treated mice of both sexes. Estrogen induced epithelial changes and edema of the prostate, vas deferens and the utriculus prostaticus. In further studies male rats, hamsters and guinea pigs were given several different dosages of E but no evidence of urine retention or increased mortality was found. Taken together these studies suggest that E-induced urine retention is unique to mice. Although urine retention and hydronephrosis found in the mice were similar to those in humans with BPH, the lesion that results in the urine obstruction is not similar.

Quantitative determination of 9-deoxo-16,16-dimethyl-9-methylene-PGE2 in human plasma by GC-MS, RIA and HPLC

Comparisons were made of 9-deoxo-16,16-dimethyl-9-methylene-PGE2 levels in plasma determined by three assay methods. Plasma samples from Rhesus monkeys treated with 200 micrograms/kg 9-deoxo-16,16-dimethyl-9-methylene-PGE2 intravenously were analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). In a second experiment known amounts of 11 beta-3H-9-deoxo-16,16-dimethyl-9-methylene-PGE2 were added to human plasma at several concentration levels. The samples were analyzed by RIA, HPLC and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A limited number of comparisons have been made between RIA and GC-MS analysis of plasma samples from human subjects treated wtih 9-deoxo-16,16-dimethyl-9-methylene-PGE2. The results indicated that the three assay methods generally give comparable estimations of 9-deoxo-16,16-dimethyl-9-methylene-PGE2 content in plasma.