Is prostaglandin F2 alpha involved in the increased myometrial contractility of primary dysmenorrhoea?

The concentrations of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and E2 (PGE2) in menstrual fluid collected daily from 13 women with primary dysmenorrhoea and 11 matched controls, were compared with the pattern of uterine contractility during the hour following the menstrual fluid collection. The intra-uterine pressure (IUP) was measured using a micro-transducer catheter and the tracings analysed. On Day 2 the concentration of PGF2 alpha correlated with the peak area, but not with amplitude, duration or rate of contraction. These findings add additional support to the hypothesis that increased production of PGF2 alpha could contribute to the increased uterine contractility in primary dysmenorrhoea.