The Possible Mode of Action of Prostaglandins. XV. Study of the Effect of Prostaglandins E₁, E₂ or F_2α in Limiting the Fertilizing Capacity of Epididymal Spermatozoa in Rats1

Abstract

Multiple sc injections of prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2 at a dose of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg b. w., respectively on days 8, 10 and 12 or 15, 17 and 19 following surgical separation of epididymides from the testes at the testis‐caput junction made the test animals infertile. Prostaglandin F2α conversely failed to affect the fertility in the same experimental model system at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Testosterone replacement concurrently with prostaglandin E1 or E2 effectively maintained the fertilizing ability of the epididymal spermatozoa in all of the test animals. The possible involvement of prostaglandins in affecting the fertilizing capacity of the epididymal spermatozoa has been discussed.