CONCENTRATIONS OF 6-OXO-PROSTAGLANDIN F1α IN THE MATERNAL AND FOETAL PLASMA OF SHEEP DURING SPONTANEOUS AND INDUCED PARTURITION

Authors:
  • MMM. D. Mitchell
    M. D. Mitchell
  • AAAnne B. M. Anderson
    Anne B. M. Anderson
  • JBJane D. Brunt
    Jane D. Brunt
  • LCLinda Clover
    Linda Clover
  • DED. A. Ellwood
    D. A. Ellwood
  • JRJ. S. Robinson
    J. S. Robinson
  • ATA. C. Turnbull
    A. C. Turnbull
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Abstract
The concentrations of 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1α (6-oxo-PGF1α) have been determined in maternal and foetal plasma from nine chronically catheterized sheep during late pregnancy and parturition. Labour occurred either spontaneously (three sheep) or was induced by continuous intrafoetal infusion of Synacthen (ACTH 1–24; 0·24 mg/24 h; three sheep) or dexamethasone (1 mg/24 h; three sheep). During spontaneous and Synacthen-induced parturition, concentrations of 6-oxo-PGF1α in maternal and foetal plasma remained at basal levels until 24 h before delivery. At varying times during the 24 h before delivery, levels of 6-oxo-PGF1α in maternal and foetal plasma were generally increased. When parturition was induced with dexamethasone, however, no increase was observed in the foetal plasma although the concentration of 6-oxo-PGF1α in maternal plasma was raised close to delivery.