Fallopian tube prostaglandin production with and without endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential role of prostaglandins (PGs) in tubal function in endometriosis. SUBJECTS: Fallopian tubes were obtained from 36 women undergoing abdominal total hysterectomy. METHODS: PG production of the human fallopian tube was measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: In normal controls, ampulla and fimbriae in the proliferative and secretory phases produced more PGE and PGF than isthmus. PGE production in ampulla and fimbriae increased in proliferative and secretory phases. PGF production was predominant in the proliferative phase in all parts. There was no significant cyclic or regional variation in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and thromboxane B2 production. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with endometriosis, isthmus and ampulla produced much more PGE and PGF in the proliferative phase than normal controls. The variation of PGF/PGE ratio in endometriosis was different from that of normal controls. It was apparent that tubal PG production is altered in endometriosis.