Seminal plasma affects prostaglandin synthesis in the porcine oviduct

Seminal fluids introduced to the female reproductive tract at mating can affect subsequent events, such as ovulation, fertilization, conception, and pregnancy. Bioactive molecules present in seminal plasma can modify the cellular composition, structure, and function of local tissues and of tissues distal to the tract. The oviduct plays a decisive role in reproduction providing a beneficial milieu for gamete maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Therefore we have investigated whether intrauterine infusion of seminal plasma can modulate prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in the porcine oviduct through regulation of gene and protein expression of enzymes of prostaglandin synthesis pathway. Among several enzymes involved in the prostaglandin synthesis pathway tested in the present study PGF_2α synthase (PTGFS) and prostaglandin 9-ketoreductase (CBR1), which convert PGE₂ to PGF_2α, expression were significantly down-regulated in the oviducts on Day 1 after seminal plasma infusion into the uterine horns. The effects of the treatment were transient and by Day 5 levels of PTGFS and CBR1 were comparable in seminal plasma-treated and control animals. Additionally, increased PGE₂ to PGF_2α and PGFM to PGF_2α ratios in the oviductal tissues were indicated. Our results clearly demonstrate that seminal plasma affects prostaglandin synthesis in the porcine oviduct. Altered PTGFS and CBR1 expression in consequence changed PGE₂ to PGF_2α and PGFM to PGF_2α ratios in the porcine oviduct.