6-Keto prostaglandin F1 alpha, thromboxane B2 and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F levels in maternal and fetal plasma

Abstract

In order to investigate the physiological roles of prostaglandins during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period, the plasma concentration of 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto PGF1 alpha), a stable metabolite of prostacyclin, thromboxane B2 (TXB2), a stable metabolite of thromboxane A2, and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F(PGFM) were measured by specific radioimmunoassay. In addition, at delivery, plasma 6-keto PGF1 alpha and PGFM concentration were measured in maternal, umbilical arterial and venous plasma. 6-Keto PGF1 alpha, TXB2 and PGFM levels did not change during pregnancy. 6-Keto PGF1 alpha level at delivery was somewhat higher than during pregnancy but not significantly so. PGFM level was significantly higher than during pregnancy. Umbilical arterial 6-keto PGF1 alpha concentration was significantly higher than umbilical venous or maternal plasma at delivery. Umbilical venous 6-keto PGF1 alpha level was somewhat higher than that of maternal plasma but the increase was not significant. There was no significant difference between umbilical arterial and venous concentrations of PGFM, but maternal PGFM level was significantly higher than that of fetal plasma. In the postpartum period, PGFM and TXB2 concentrations were significantly higher than before delivery. However 6-keto PGF1 alpha level in the postpartum period did not significantly differ from before delivery. The results of this study may indicate high prostacyclin production by the fetus and that PGF and TXA2 concentration change in the postpartum period.