Etiology of infertility in monkeys with endometriosis: Measurement of peritoneal fluid prostaglandins

To study the relationship between peritoneal fluid prostaglandins and infertility associated with endometriosis, we autografted endometrial or adipose tissue to the pelvic peritoneum in 21 monkeys. Peritoneal washings were collected prior to tissue transplantation and during a subsequent laparotomy performed for biopsy of the implants. Monkeys were mated and peritoneal washings were collected during three subsequent cycles. The content of prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α) in adipose tissue autografts was significantly less (p < 0.05) than in endometrial tissue autografts. The PGF_2α concentration in peritoneal fluid increased significantly (p < 0.05) only in monkeys that developed moderate or severe endometriosis. Prostaglandin E levels in tissue autografts or peritoneal fluid were similar in all animals. Infertility in monkeys with endometriosis was associated with luteinized unruptured follicles, luteal phase defects, and pelvic adhesions. Although PGF_2α concentrations in peritoneal washings obtained during these cycles were increased in comparison with those of ovulatory cycles, the difference was not significant. A relationship between spontaneous abortion and prostaglandin concentrations in peritoneal fluid was not established.