Abstract
The plasma concentrations of the gastrointestinal regulatory peptides motilin, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide were measured in 6 pregnant women, 17-35 years old. Plasma samples were drawn 2-3 weeks before, during, and immediately after labor, and 24 h as well as 1 year after delivery. Plasma motilin levels did not change during labor, but peaked non-significantly upon delivery, and were thereafter significantly elevated 24 h post partum (p less than 0.05). Plasma motilin concentrations measured one year after delivery were almost identical with the pre-term values. Plasma somatostatin rose non-significantly during labor and peaked transiently upon delivery (p less than 0.05), whereas plasma pancreatic polypeptide increased significantly during the second stage of labor (p less than 0.05). The plasma motilin increase may be part of a compensatory mechanism leading to augmented gastrointestinal motility after delivery.
Published Version
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