Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) act as apoptotic factors in the corpus luteum in addition to having a short-term stimulatory effect on progesterone secretion by luteal cells.

To the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of data showing effect of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) on the corpus luteum (CL), a mini-endocrine gland responsible for a normal estrous cycle and the maintenance of pregnancy. Luteal cells obtained from corpora lutea (8-10 days after ovulation) were exposed to PBDE 47, 99, and 100 at doses of 50, 250, and 500 ng/ml for 24 and 48 hours. The progesterone (P4) level in the culture medium and caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities in the cells were estimated by ELISA.