Abstract

Objective: The hypothesis tested in this study is that platelet-activating factor increases prostaglandin E 2 synthesis from fetal membranes. Study design: Fetal membrane disks obtained before or after labor were incubated with or without platelet-activating factor for time periods of up to 24 hours. The production of prostaglandin E 2 and its inactive metabolites was determined by specific radioimmunoassays. Results: Platelet-activating factor (1 to 10 (μmol/L) stimulated the production of prostaglandin E 2 and its metabolites by intact fetal membranes and chorion-decidua threefold to fourfold after 24 hours of incubation. Platelet-activating factor had far greater effects on the production of prostaglandin E 2 by intact fetal membranes obtained after the onset of labor, such that prostaglandin E 2 production was increased by tenfold to 100-fold. Conclusion: These results suggest that platelet-activating factor mainly stimulates prostaglandin E 2 production by the chorion-decidua before labor and that it may act in synergism with other stimulatory factors present in the fetal membranes during labor.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.