Open AccessMetabolism of prostaglandin E 2 on the fetal and maternal sides of intact fetal membranes
Author(s) -
Sullivan M. H. F.,
Roseblade C. K.,
Elder M. G.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349109007154
Subject(s) - amnion , fetal membrane , fetus , decidua , prostaglandin e , metabolism , medicine , endocrinology , prostaglandin e2 , membrane , prostaglandin , placenta , pregnancy , biology , biochemistry , genetics
The metabolism of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) added to the chorio‐decidual side or the amnion side of the intact fetal membrane was compared. Similar rates of metabolism were found when the PGE 2 was added to the fetal side or the maternal side of the membrane, even though the amnion (on the fetal side of the membrane) contains no metabolizing enzymes. The appearance of PGE 2 metabolites on the opposing side of the membrane was also independent of whether the PGE 2 was added to the fetal or maternal side, which suggests that the chorion, which lies between the amnion and the decidua, is the major determinant of the rate of metabolism of PGE 2 . Furthermore, it might be expected that less PGE 2 metabolism subsequent to diffusion across the membrane may occur on the amnion side, since this tissue contains no metabolizing enzymes, but no evidence for this was found. PGE 2 synthesized by the amnion would therefore have little effect on PGE 2 levels on the maternal side of the fetal membrane, and may not be directly involved in labour.