Effects of Interactions Between Progesterone and Prostaglandin on Uterine Contractility in a Perfused Swine Uterus Model

Background/Aim: Uterine quiescence at the time of embryo transfer is a prerequisite for successful in vitro fertilization (IVF). This study assessed whether prostaglandin-induced contractions in the perfused swine uterus can be reduced by progesterone. Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight non-pregnant swine uteri were perfused using an established extracorporeal perfusion model. Intrauterine pressure changes during perfusion with prostaglandin (PG) administration (PGE1, PGE2, PGF2α) and progesterone (1 pg/ml, 10 pg/ml, 25 pg/ml, 50 pg/ml) were assessed using an intrauterine double-chip microcatheter. Results: The contraction-stimulating effect of PGs was clearly reduced by progesterone. Only PGE1 still triggered relevant contractions during continuous perfusion with progesterone solution, up to a concentration of 10 pg/ml. With PGE2 and PGF2α, a clear reduction of uterine contractility was observed even at at a progesterone concentration of 1 pg/ml. Conclusion: The extracorporal perfusion model of swine uteri shows that PG-induced contractions can be reduced in a dose-dependent manner by progesterone.