Failure of Parturition in Mice Lacking the Prostaglandin F Receptor

• DOI: 10.1126/science.277.5326.681
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T05:50:14Z
• Authors: Yukihiko Sugimoto; Atsushi Yamasaki; Eri Segi; Kazuhito Tsuboi; Yoshiya Aze; Tatsuya Nishimura; Hiroji Oida; Nobuaki Yoshida; Takashi Tanaka; Masato Katsuyama; Ken-yuh Hasumoto; Takahiko Murata; Masakazu Hirata; Fumitaka Ushikubi; Manabu Negishi; Atsushi Ichikawa; Shuh Narumiya
• Keywords: Luteolysis; Oxytocin receptor; Prostaglandin f; Prostaglandin E2 receptor

Mice lacking the gene encoding receptor for prostaglandin F 2α (FP) developed normally but were unable to deliver normal fetuses at term. Although these FP-deficient mice showed no abnormality in estrous cycle, ovulation, fertilization, or implantation, they did not respond exogenous oxytocin because of lack induction (a proposed triggering event parturition), and show decline serum progesterone concentrations that precedes parturition. Ovariectomy day 19 pregnancy restored permitted successful delivery mice. These results indicate parturition is initiated when interacts with FP ovarian luteal cells pregnant induce luteolysis.