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Maternal Prolactin Secretion Is Phasic During Induced Term and Post-Term Labor

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Abstract

Objective

We hypothesized that regimens of labor induction do not alter the biphasic secretion of maternal prolactin (PRL) seen during spontaneous labor.

Methods

Serial blood samples drawn from 12 women before, during, and after induced labor were assayed for PRL and hCG and compared with cervical dilatation and uterine contraction frequency (UCF). Induction methods were cervical ripening with dinoprostone gel (Prepidil) followed by oxytocin infusion (n = 1), amniotomy followed by oxytocin (n = 4), oxytocin followed by amniotomy (n = 3), amniotomy only (n = 2), and oxytocin only (n = 2).

Results

Regardless of the induction method, PRL decreased with advancing cervical dilatation during the first stage of labor and reached a nadir at full dilatation. Prolactin levels then increased rapidly during the second stage, correlating significantly with the increase in UCF, and peaked at 1 hour postpartum before decreasing. Levels of hCG increased during labor and peaked just before or at delivery before rapidly decreasing.

Conclusions

The biphasic secretion of maternal PRL is a fundamental characteristic of active term labor and occurs regardless of the method used to induce labor.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, WS029 Women’s Hospital, 735 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0L8, Canada

    P. Audrey Fernandes PhD, Stanley R. Koodoo BSc (Med), Agnes M. Wodzicki ART, James G. Allardice MD & John A. McCoshen PhD

Authors
  1. P. Audrey Fernandes PhD
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  2. Stanley R. Koodoo BSc (Med)
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  3. Agnes M. Wodzicki ART
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  4. James G. Allardice MD
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  5. John A. McCoshen PhD
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Additional information

This study was supported by a grant from the Manitoba Medical Services Foundation (no. 385-3123-01) awarded to PAF.

Dr. James G. Allardice died suddenly in January 1996. We dedicate this paper to his cherished memory as a distinguished obstetrician and colleague and a valued friend.

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Fernandes, P.A., Koodoo, S.R., Wodzicki, A.M. et al. Maternal Prolactin Secretion Is Phasic During Induced Term and Post-Term Labor. Reprod. Sci. 4, 81–85 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1071-5576(97)00007-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1071-5576(97)00007-5

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