Regulation of placental 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activity by obstetric drugs

Abstract

The in vitro effects of obstetric drugs on 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activity were investigated. Enzyme activity was inhibited by indomethacin, methylergometrine maleate, Solcoseryl®, conjugated estrogen and progesterone, and was activated only by isoxsuprine-HCL. Methylergometrine maleate and isoxsuprine-HCl, which have opposite functions on uterine muscle, also exerted contrary effects on enzyme activity. Inhibitory and stimulatory effects of these drugs suggested that they could directly regulate uterine activity and also indirectly influence the uterus due to their effects on prostaglandin catabolism in vivo.