METABOLISM OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α WITHIN THE HUMAN UTERUS IN EARLY PREGNANCY

Abstract

The potential for intra-uterine metabolism of prostaglandins in early pregnancy was studied by incubation of prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a) with tissues obtained by termination hysterectomy at 7 and 16 weeks gestation. Enzymes regulating the degradation of prostaglandins were demonstrated in placenta and membranes and to a lesser extent, in myometrium and decidua. It is believed that these enzymes may have a physiological role in maintaining the continuity of pregnancy, and that the high degradation of PGF2a in placenta and membranes may be one of the reasons that, for termination of pregnancy, far higher doses are required intra-amniotically than extra-amniotically.