Prostaglandin D 2 : Effects on the Rabbit Utero-Placental Circulation 1

Abstract

Summary

The uterine, placental, and renal vascular responses to a 2 min intraventricular prostaglandin D₂ infusion (10 μg/kg/min) were examined using the microsphere technique in 12 chronically catheterized near-term rabbits. The prostaglandin D₂ infusion significantly decreased mean arterial pressure from 87 ± 3 to 81 ± 3 mm Hg. Uterine vascular resistance decreased from 862 ± 164 to 544 ± 47 mm Hg X min/ml X g while the placental vascular resistance increased from 389 ± 54 to 1136 ± 337 mm Hg X min/ml x g. The renal vasculature dilated in response to prostaglandin D₂, the renal vascular resistance decreasing from 23 ± 2.7 to 15.8 ± 1.5 mm Hg X min/ml X g. Thus, prostaglandin D₂ dilates the uterine and renal vasculature and is a strong placental vasoconstrictor. This response is independent of intrauterine pressure changes and appears to be a direct effect.

The authors wish to thank Dr. John Pike of the Upjohn Company who supplied the prostaglandin used in these experiments.