EFFECT OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α ON THE ULTRASTRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF SHEEP CORPORA LUTEA

Abstract

Early morphological changes in the ultrastructure of CL of ewes treated with prostaglandin F2alpha were examined in relation to luteal function as judged by plasma progesterone concentration. The luteolytic effect of prostaglandin F2alpha was confirmed, but there was little synchrony between morphological and functional luteolysis. Significant changes included a decrease in the amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, a change in the shape of mitochondria and a decrease in the number of membrane-bound granules. There was also an accumulation of lipids.