Prostaglandin F2alpha

Prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α in prostanoid nomenclature), pharmaceutically termed dinoprost (INN), is a naturally occurring prostaglandin used in medicine to induce labor and as an abortifacient.

In domestic mammals, it is produced by the uterus when stimulated by oxytocin, in the event that there has been no implantation during the follicular phase. It acts on the corpus luteum to cause luteolysis, forming a corpus albicans and stopping the production of progesterone. Action of PGF_2α is dependent on the number of receptors on the corpus luteum membrane.