THE CONCENTRATION OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α IN MATERNAL PLASMA, FOETAL PLASMA AND AMNIOTIC FLUID DURING PREGNANCY IN WOMEN

1975 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 589-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Johnson ◽  
P. A. Manning ◽  
J. F. Hennam ◽  
J. R. Newton ◽  
W. P. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Uterine Contractions ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
Serial Samples ◽  
Considerable Individual Variation ◽  
Venous Plasma

ABSTRACT The concentration of prostaglandin F2α has been determined in serial samples of peripheral venous plasma from women at defined times during labour, and studied in detail throughout two consecutive uterine contractions. In addition, the same compound has been measured in single samples of uterine venous plasma, cord venous plasma, and amniotic fluid in groups of patients during early and late pregnancy, labour and at delivery of the baby. The results from the analysis of peripheral venous plasma show that there is considerable individual variation in the concentration of prostaglandin F2α during labour (mean ± sd, 33.1 ± 11.6 pg/ml). However, it is not possible to establish a definite correlation with either the latent or accelerated phases or with the time of delivery. Furthermore, there is no apparent temporal relationship between the concentrations in peripheral venous plasma and the contractile state of the uterus as assessed by external tocography. In early pregnancy (16th to 20th week) the concentration of prostaglandin F2α (pg/ml, mean ± sd) in peripheral venous plasma is 26.3 ± 4.3 and in amniotic fluid 32.7 ± 26.5. At the 36th week to the start of labour the corresponding values are 27.1 ± 8.1 and 110.0 ± 73.8. At the same time the levels in cord plasma and uterine venous plasma are 100.4 ± 74.9 and 87.9 ± 55.0 respectively. During labour there is a significant increase (P < 0.005, Student's t-test) in the concentration in amniotic fluid (335.1 ± 171.0). The results are discussed in relation to the possible role of prostaglandin F2α in the process of parturition.

PROSTAGLANDINS IN THE PLASMA AND AMNIOTIC FLUID OF RHESUS MONKEYS DURING PREGNANCY AND AFTER INTRA-UTERINE FOETAL DEATH

1976 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. MITCHELL ◽  
J. E. PATRICK ◽  
J. S. ROBINSON ◽  
G. D. THORBURN ◽  
J. R. G. CHALLIS
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Rhesus Monkeys ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Foetal Death ◽  
Peripheral Vein ◽  
Normal Term ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
Venous Plasma

SUMMARY Prostaglandin F (PGF) was measured in amniotic fluid, and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α (PGFM) was measured in maternal peripheral venous plasma and amniotic fluid of rhesus monkeys during late pregnancy. 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α was determined in the maternal peripheral venous plasma of two animals following intrauterine foetal death. The mean concentration of PGF and PGFM in amniotic fluid increased fourfold during the last 5 days of pregnancy. This increase was associated with an increase in the oestrone concentration in amniotic fluid and in maternal plasma. In normal pregnancy there was no increase in PGFM levels in the maternal peripheral vein, up to 1–2 days pre partum. After intra-uterine death, progesterone concentration in the maternal peripheral vein was unaltered, but oestrone and oestradiol declined. In plasma samples taken within 12 h of delivery, the concentration of PGFM was raised. It is concluded that an increase in prostaglandin production accompanies delivery at normal term, and at delivery past term following intra-uterine foetal death.

CHANGES IN OVARIAN AND PITUITARY FUNCTION IN NON-PREGNANT WOMEN DURING THE INFUSION OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α

1975 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 676-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Elias ◽  
J. R. Newton ◽  
W. P. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Intravenous Administration ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Serial Samples ◽  
Mean Concentration ◽  
Venous Plasma

ABSTRACT The concentrations of prostaglandin F2α, progesterone, oestradiol, LH and cortisol have been determined in serial samples of peripheral venous plasma, before, during and after, the intravenous administration of prostaglandin F2α (50 μg/min, for 5 h) to 8 women in the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle. The results show that the mean concentrations of prostaglandin F2α and cortisol increased during the infusion by factors of 8.8 and 2.6 respectively. The highest levels of cortisol occurred after 3 h, and were significantly different (P < 0.0005, Student's t-test) from those obtained before the infusion. There were progressive decreases in the concentrations of LH and progesterone. After 3 h the values for LH were significantly lower (P < 0.0025) than those before the administration of prostaglandin F2α, and the lowest mean value was 26 % of the control. The values for progesterone were significantly lower (P < 0.025) after 5 h, and the mean value at this time was 38 % of the control. The pattern of the mean concentration for oestradiol was similar to that for progesterone. The levels of all 5 compounds had returned to normal within 1 h after completion of the infusion. The findings are discussed.

FOETAL AND MATERNAL PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF 13,14-DIHYDRO-15-OXO-PROSTAGLANDIN F IN THE MARE DURING LATE PREGNANCY AND AT PARTURITION

1978 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. BARNES ◽  
R. S. COMLINE ◽  
L. B. JEFFCOTT ◽  
M. D. MITCHELL ◽  
P. D. ROSSDALE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
Maximum Concentration ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Premature Delivery ◽  
Rapid Rise ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
Venous Plasma

SUMMARY The concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-oxo-prostaglandin F (PGFM), the stable metabolite of prostaglandin F, were measured in the plasma of catheterized mares and foetuses and non-catheterized thoroughbred mares and ponies during the last months of gestation. The plasma concentration of PGFM increased gradually towards term in all groups of animals. During the operation for insertion of catheters, maternal and foetal concentrations of PGFM were high, but the values fell to basal levels 24–48 h after the operation. It was found that preoperative starvation (24 h) led to a rise in the concentration oef PGFM in th maternal plasma. The raised concentrations of PGFM during the operation were associated with low progestogen and high oestrogen concentrations in umbilical venous plasma. The subsequent survival period of the catheterized foal was inversely related to the maximum concentration of PGFM attained during the operation. Changes in the plasma concentration of PGFM were studied during normal parturition in thoroughbred mares, during oxytocin-induced delivery in non-catheterized ponies and during premature delivery or abortion in the catheterized animals. The greatest increase in the concentration of PGFM was seen in the thoroughbred animals during second-stage labour; oxytocin also resulted in a very rapid rise in the level of PGFM, which remained high until delivery. In the catheterized animals, the birth of live foetuses was associated with a rise in the concentration of PGFM in both foetal and maternal plasma during the last 2 h before delivery. Less consistent changes were found during abortion.

Maternal, Umbilical, Uterine and Amniotic Prostaglandin E and F2α Levels in Labour

1988 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 280-285
Author(s):  
S. Sahmay ◽  
A. Coke ◽  
N. Hekim ◽  
T. Atasu
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Prostaglandin E ◽  
Uterine Contractions ◽  
Human Labour ◽  
Prostaglandin F

This paper confirms the important role played by prostaglandins in the induction of uterine contractions and the initiation of human labour, although the exact mechanism of action in labour remains unclear. Seventeen pregnant women at term were studied. Of these nine were in labour and the remainder underwent elective section. Prostaglandin E and F2α levels were measured in maternal, umbilical and uterine plasma and amniotic fluid by radioimmunoassay. Levels of prostaglandin E were generally higher than prostaglandin F2α but they were significantly lower in maternal and uterine plasma. Levels of prostaglandin F2α were significantly higher in maternal plasma during labour. The highest levels of prostaglandin were found in amniotic fluid. Measurements indicate that the decreasing ratio of prostaglandin E/F2α is more important in the initiation of labour than absolute levels of either prostaglandin.

PROSTAGLANDIN E, THROMBOXANE B2 AND 6-OXO-PROSTAGLANDIN F1α IN AMNIOTIC FLUID AND MATERNAL PLASMA OF RHESUS MONKEYS (MACACA MULATTA) DURING THE LATTER THIRD OF GESTATION

1979 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. ROBINSON ◽  
R. NATALE ◽  
L. CLOVER ◽  
M. D. MITCHELL
Keyword(s):  
Rhesus Monkey ◽  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Macaca Mulatta ◽  
Rhesus Monkeys ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Thromboxane B2 ◽  
Prostaglandin E ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
Serial Samples

The concentrations of prostaglandin E (PGE), thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1α (6-oxo-PGF1α) were measured by radioimmunoassay in serial samples of amniotic fluid and maternal peripheral plasma in the latter third of pregnancy in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). The samples were collected under ketamine-induced anaesthesia. The concentration of PGE was undetectable in amniotic fluid until a few days before delivery when a large increase was observed in three of the five animals. There were small increases of TXB2 and 6-oxo-PGF1α in amniotic fluid before delivery. In maternal plasma the concentrations of PGE, TXB2 and 6-oxo-PGF1α were generally higher and more variable than in amniotic fluid and did not increase with advancing gestation. It is suggested that increased production of primary prostaglandins occurs before, and is involved in, the onset of parturition in the rhesus monkey.

VARIATIONS IN THE CONCENTRATION OF TESTOSTERONE IN PERIPHERAL VENOUS PLASMA FROM HEALTHY WOMEN

1975 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 542-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. P. Tyler ◽  
John R. Newton ◽  
William P. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Arithmetic Mean ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Serial Samples ◽  
Considerable Individual Variation ◽  
Ovarian Cycles ◽  
Venous Plasma

ABSTRACT The concentration of testosterone (ng/100 ml; mean ± sd) has been determined in peripheral venous plasma at 4 hourly intervals for 24 h from 9 non-pregnant women (39.8 ± 11.8) and 9 during late pregnancy (70 ± 32). In addition, the level of this hormone has been measured in samples of plasma removed daily (between 08.30 and 10.00 h) throughout 9 ovarian cycles (41.6 ± 11.8), and weekly from 10 women during gestation (57.6 ± 14.7). The results show that there is considerable individual variation in both the concentration and pattern in serial samples over the respective time scales. The values of the arithmetic mean from non-pregnant subjects show that there is a tendency for the concentration to be lower between 20.00 and 04.00 h. However, the differences between the values at defined times over a 24 h period are not statistically significant. During the ovarian cycle 3 subjects had peak values during the peri-ovulatory phase, 2 in the luteal, 1 in the follicular and 3 showed no consistent pattern. There was no significant difference in values (40.9 ± 11.8, 41.9 ± 11.9 and 41.8 ± 11.9) for the 3 phases of the cycle. There is a significant rise in the concentration of plasma testosterone during pregnancy (P< 0.0005), but the pattern of the arithmetic mean is not related to the corresponding values for progesterone or oestradiol. During late pregnancy (34 weeks to term) there is a change in the nycterohemeral pattern, with the highest mean values occurring between 16.00 and 04.00 h. The results are discussed.

USE OF MECLOFENAMIC ACID TO INVESTIGATE THE ROLE OF PROSTAGLANDIN BIOSYNTHESIS DURING INDUCED PARTURITION IN SHEEP

1978 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. MITCHELL ◽  
A. P. F. FLINT
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Cervical Ripening ◽  
Uterine Contractility ◽  
Expected Time ◽  
Uterine Contractions ◽  
Meclofenamic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Sheep ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
Maternal Administration

SUMMARY The maternal administration of meclofenamic acid (a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor) to pregnant sheep prevented the dexamethasone-induced delivery of live lambs and delayed delivery after foetal death in utero. Administration of meclofenamic acid had no effect on the changes in the levels of progesterone and oestrogen in the plasma which occur before lambing in response to foetal glucocorticoid. Despite normal maternal endocrine changes, increased uterine activity did not occur at the expected time, although it could be elicited by vaginal distension or by administration of oxytocin. The rates of cervical ripening and dilatation were reduced by meclofenamic acid and lambing was frequently associated with some degree of cervical dystocia. Withdrawal of meclofenamic acid did not immediately result in an increase in the level of prostaglandin F in the plasma despite the appearance of co-ordinated uterine contractions; the concentration of prostaglandin in the plasma was not raised until vaginal passage of the lambs. It is concluded that the synthesis or release of prostaglandins mediates the effects of changes in the levels of steroids in the maternal plasma on uterine contractility in sheep.

Collagen solubility and tensile properties of the rat uterine cervix in late pregnancy: effects of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin F2α

1982 ◽  
Vol 95 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Hillier ◽  
R. M. Wallis
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Arachidonic Acid ◽  
Tensile Properties ◽  
Uterine Cervix ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Collagen Structure ◽  
Collagen Concentration ◽  
Pregnant Animal ◽  
Prostaglandin F

The collagen concentration in rat uterine cervix was less on day 18 of pregnancy than in the non-pregnant animal but did not diminish further as pregnancy proceeded. The solubility of cervical collagen in warm acetic acid (0·5 mol/l) was increased on day 22 compared with days 19, 20 and 21 of pregnancy, and there was a positive correlation of increasing solubility with the tissue rate of creep (a measure of reducing stiffness of the cervix). Treatment of rats subcutaneously with arachidonic acid or prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on day 18 of pregnancy decreased the stiffness of the tissue when assessed on day 19 and this was accompanied by increased solubility in cold saline (0·45 mol/l), cold acetic acid and warm acetic acid and a reduction in collagen concentration. These results suggest that collagen properties rather than concentration are important in determining the stiffness of the rat uterine cervix at term and that exogenous PGF2αand arachidonic acid cause biochemical changes in collagen structure unlike those seen at term in untreated animals.

EFFECT OF INTRA-UTERINE BEADS ALONE, OR COMBINED WITH OESTROGEN TREATMENT, ON UTERO-OVARIAN VENOUS PLASMA PROSTAGLANDIN F2α AND PROGESTERONE LEVELS IN THE GUINEA-PIG

1976 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 445-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. R. BLATCHLEY ◽  
B. T. DONOVAN ◽  
N. L. POYSER
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Uterine Horn ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Oestrogen Treatment ◽  
Luteal Regression ◽  
Oestradiol Benzoate ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
And Control ◽  
Venous Plasma

SUMMARY The presence of beads in the guinea-pig uterus caused premature regression of the corpora lutea, and a corresponding decrease in utero-ovarian venous plasma levels of progesterone, by days 9–10 of the oestrous cycle. If the beads were placed in one horn only, premature luteal regression occurred only in the adjacent ovary. Induced luteal regression was preceded by an increased release of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) from the uterine horns which contained the beads. Oestradiol benzoate treatment of guinea-pigs carrying beads in one uterine horn overcame the unilateral effect and resulted in premature luteal regression in both ovaries. This was also associated with the early release of PGF2α from both uterine horns, though a difference in the timing of the release was apparent between the bead-containing (experimental) and control horns.

PROGESTERONE, PROSTAGLANDIN F2α, AND OESTRADIOL IN THE UTERO-OVARIAN VENOUS PLASMA OF NON-PREGNANT AND EARLY, UNILATERALLY PREGNANT GUINEA-PIGS

1975 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. R. BLATCHLEY ◽  
F. M. MAULE WALKER ◽  
N. L. POYSER
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Progesterone Secretion ◽  
Prostaglandin F ◽  
Venous Plasma

SUMMARY Levels of progesterone, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and oestradiol in the utero-ovarian venous plasma of non-pregnant and early, unilaterally pregnant guinea-pigs were compared. Progesterone levels fell from day 12 to day 15 in the non-pregnant animals, while levels of PGF2α and oestradiol increased during this period. In contrast, in the pregnant guinea-pigs, progesterone levels remained high up to day 15 and PGF2α and oestradiol levels remained low in plasma from both the pregnant and non-pregnant sides. These findings support the hypothesis that the guinea-pig conceptus secretes an anti-luteolytic factor in early pregnancy, which reduces the amount of PGF2α produced by the uterus and released into the uterine veins and thereby allows luteal maintenance and continued progesterone secretion. Oestradiol, in the presence of progesterone, is regarded as the physiological stimulus for normal uterine PGF2α synthesis and release. Consequently, the inhibition of ovarian oestradiol secretion seen in early pregnancy is probably at least part of the mechanism by which the anti-luteolytic factor produced by the conceptus reduces PGF2α synthesis by and release from the uterus.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document