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The Transfer of Prostaglandin E2 Across Ovine Fetal Membranes In Vivo

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Abstract

Objective

This study investigated whether prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can cross intact fetal membranes in vivo.

Methods

We have developed a novel ovine model using in vivo dialysis systems, positioned between the fetal membranes and decidua and in the amniotic cavity. Sheep were given 25 μCi, 50 ng [3H]PGE2 or 1 mg PGE2 to the amniotic cavity, and radioactivity or PGE2/PGEM concentrations in dialysates were determined.

Results

Endogenous basal PGE2 concentrations were significantly higher in extra-amniotic than in intra-amniotic dialysates (715 ± 436 versus 80 ± 31 pg/mL; mean ± standard error of the mean; P < .05). After injection of [3H]PGE2 into the amniotic cavity, no radioactivity was detected in the extra-amniotic dialysate, and this was not influenced by labor induced by ACTH administration to the fetus. In contrast, intra-amniotic injection of 1 mg PGE2 resulted in marked transfer of PGE2 across the fetal membranes to the extra-amniotic dialysis system.

Conclusion

These results suggest that PGE2 can cross the ovine fetal membranes in vivo, escaping metabolism in the chorion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, 10 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 2ER, Scotland

    Pauline C. Johnston PhD, Ian A. Greer MD & A. Nigel Brooks PhD

  2. Medical Research Council Reproductive Biology Unit, Edinburgh, Scotland

    Pauline C. Johnston PhD, Ian A. Greer MD & A. Nigel Brooks PhD

Authors
  1. Pauline C. Johnston PhD
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  2. Ian A. Greer MD
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  3. A. Nigel Brooks PhD
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Additional information

This work was supported by a grant from the Scottish Hospital Endowments Research Trust (SHERT 1166).

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Johnston, P.C., Greer, I.A. & Brooks, A.N. The Transfer of Prostaglandin E2 Across Ovine Fetal Membranes In Vivo. Reprod. Sci. 3, 303–308 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1071-5576(96)00033-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1071-5576(96)00033-0

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