Initiation of human parturition: I. Mechanism of action of arachidonic acid

P. C. MacDonald, F. M. Schultz, J. H. Duenhoelter, N. F. Gant, J. M. Jimenez, J. A. Pritchard, J. C. Porter, J. M. Johnston

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

123 Scopus citations

Abstract

Free fatty acid levels were determined in amnionic fluid from women in labor and from women not in labor. Of these fatty acids, the most striking increase occurred in the concentration of arachidonic acid. Prostaglandin F was also increased in amnionic fluid from women in labor. Twelve women requesting abortion during the second trimester had arachidonate, the precursor of prostaglandin PGF, injected into the amnionic sac. All 12 women aborted. Two additional patients, who were injected with arachidonate, ingested aspirin, and they did not abort. Two women were injected with oleate, and they also did not abort. Indeed, in these latter 1 patients, no uterine contractions, cervical dilation, or effacement was observed. Four women whose.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)629, 636
JournalObstetrics and gynecology
Volume44
Issue number5
StatePublished - Nov 1974

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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