The effect of indomethacin on HMG-HCG induced ovulation in the rhesus monkey

The investigation was designed to study the influence of indomethacin on gonadotropin induced ovulation in the rhesus monkey. Six mature female monkeys were treated with HMG-HCG for at least 2 control ovulatory cycles at dosage levels adjusted to induce ovulation while avoiding superovulation. Ovulation was confirmed by observation of the ovaries for fresh ovulation points at laparotomy. Following establishment of an appropriate dosage schedule, treatment was begun with indomethacin (5 mg/kg/day) starting 5 days prior to HCG and continuing to the time of laparotomy. In a second treatment cycle, indomethacin was administered at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.i.d. together with the established dose of HMG-HCG. Ovarian inspection was carried out as in the control cycles. Venous blood was obtained on treatment days 4, 7, 10 and 11 for determination of serum estrone, estradiol and progesterone. Indomethacin administration resulted in ovulation inhibition at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day when ovulation inducing doses of gonadotropins were administered. Peripheral blood steroid levels suggest that follicle maturation and estrogen production are unimpaired by indomethacin. These findings indicate that the ovarian synthesis of prostaglandin may be essential in the process of ovulation.