THE CONCENTRATIONS OF PROSTAGLANDIN E₂ AND PROSTAGLANDIN F_2α IN TISSUES WITHIN THE FETOPLACENTAL UNIT AFTER SPONTANEOUS OR INDUCED LABOUR

Abstract

The concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) were measured by radioimmunoassay in portions of umbilical cord, placenta, amnion, chorion and decidua. The samples were obtained during 12 confinements immediately after the delivery of a healthy baby. Labour had either occurred spontaneously (6 subjects) or had been induced approximately two weeks after the estimated date of delivery. The results showed that the concentration of PGE2 was significantly higher (Student's 't' test) in samples of placenta (P less than 0-05), decidua (P less than 0-025), umbilical cord (P less than 0-0125) and amnion (P less than 0-0025), from those patients who had started labour spontaneously. In contrast, the concentration of PGF2alpha was only raised to a significant extent (P less than 0-025) in the amnion. The findings are discussed.