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In the present study the effect of Flunixin meglumine (FM), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, was investigated on postpartal prostaglandin production and uterine activity in the cow. For that purpose 8 cows were given FM in a dose of 2.2 mg/Kg b.w. twice daily (08.00 and 16.00 h) for the first 10 days p.p. Blood samples were collected at various times before, during and after parturition and the concentrations of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2 alpha (PGFM), progesterone as well as adrenaline and noradrenaline determined. Eight cows served as controls. Uterine activity was measured by means of pressure microsensors and electrodes which were surgically implanted into the uterine wall before parturition. During the whole treatment period FM inhibited endogenous PG-production by more than 80% (p < 0.05). The suppressive effect of FM was maximal 4 h after the last injection and lasted no longer than 8 h. PGF2 alpha-suppression clearly decreased spontaneous uterine motility and reduced the myometrial response to ocytocin (5 IU i.v.) and PGF2 alpha (15 mg i.v.). Treatment with FM did not interfere with uterine involution, the return to cyclicity and the first postpartal cycle length. Also, no obvious effects were seen on catecholamine concentrations which fluctuated during parturition without regularly representing the actual stress situation. Our results demonstrate that FM is able to effectively inhibit PGF2 alpha-secretion as well as uterine activity in the cow. Further evaluation of FM as a tocolyticum or in the treatment of uterine infections is required.