Abstract
Observations were made in 15 patients in late pregnancy (36-42 weeks) and in 5 in early pregnancy in order to study the effects of intravenous infusion of pure prostaglandins on the mobility of the human pregnant uterus. Uterine contractibility was recorded by means of the Oxford Tocograph. Using both the E prostaglandins and those of the F series, stimulation of myometrial contractility was observed. The oxytocic properties of the E prostaglandins were particularly marked and reliable. In late pregnancy, and at term, the response was characterized by an increase in both the frequency and amplitude of contractions, without -- in the dosage used -- any appreciable increase in tone. Hypertonus was a feature of the response during the early months of pregnancy. Slow in action, the induced level of uterine activity tended to persist or recur for long after the infusion was discontinued and, particularly in the case of prostaglandin E2, was often followed by the successful induction of labor. On the basis of this study, it appears that the effect of prostaglandins in bringing about termination of pregnancy may be indirect.
Published Version
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