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Effect of Indomethacin on Dexamethasone-Induced Parturition in Swine¹

University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706^,3

Abstract

The hypothesis that corticosteroids induce parturition in swine by stimulating the synthesis of prostaglandins was tested. Twenty Yorkshire sows were treated with indomethacin and(or) dexamethasone or the respective vehicles of the drugs. Only sows treated with dexamethasone alone showed a premature increase in the concentration of prostaglandin F₂-metabolite (PGF₂-M), a decrease in the concentration of progesterone in the peripheral plasma and induction of parturition. Treatment with indomethacin alone or indomethacin plus dexamethasone prolonged gestation and prevented an increase in PGF₂-M and a decrease in progesterone. These results show that the effect of dexamethasone on prepartum luteolysis and induction of parturition is mediated through stimulation of the synthesis or the release of PGF₂.

¹ Research supported by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison 53706; ARS CSRS Grant No. 616-15-152, and Ford Foundation Grant No. 630-0505B.

² The authors express appreciation to Drs. K. T. Kirton and U. F. Axen, The Upjohn Company, for providing the antiserum and the 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF₂ for RIA of PGF₂-metabolite.

³ Dept. of Meat and Anim. Sci. Paper No. 733.