Title: Effects of Indomethacin and ICI 46,474 Administered During Ovum Transport on Fertility in Rabbits1
Abstract: Prostaglandins, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors and an antiestrogen (ICI 46,474) have been administered during ovum transport in inseminated rabbits. Fertility was not significantly altered by 15 methyl derivatives of prostaglandins or prostaglandin F2α, at the doses used. Prostaglandin E2, indomethacin (1 mg/kg/dose) meclofenamate and ICI 46,474 decreased the mean number of implantations. Higher doses of indomethacin (10 mg/kg/dose) increased implantations. Prostaglandin F2α and ICI 46,474 accelerated ovum transport. Indomethacin (both doses) caused retention of ova in the oviducts at 66 h after HCG compared to controls but not at 72 h after HCG; the lower dose caused rapid expulsion of ova from the uterus. These experiments suggest that ovum transport and/or embryo maintenance is susceptible to disruption by drugs acting at a variety of sites.