Concentrations of prostaglandin F-2 alpha in follicular fluid from women with endometriosis

Previous data have indicated that prostaglandins (PG) play an important role in the ovulation process and significant quantities have been found in follicular fluid. The synthesis of PG is influenced by ovarian steroids as well as inflammatory processes. Increased PG has been shown in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis. The aim of this study was to see whether PGB(2 alpha) concentration in follicular fluid varies according to the presence or absence of remaining endometriotic lesions in the pelvis of women with endometriosis. Follicular fluid was collected at visual puncture of the follicles at laparoscopy of 26 women with diagnosed endometriosis. Visible lesions were found in 10 women and in 16 women no lesions could be seen macroscopically. PGF(2 alpha) was determined using radio-immunoassay. The results showed no significant difference in the concentrations of PGF(2 alpha) between women with visible and not macroscopically visible endometriotic lesions and there was no significantly linear correlation with endometriotic lesions in the follicle punctured. These data are in accordance with clinical results showing that fertility rate does not increase in endometriotic women even if the lesions disappear after treatment.