The role of eicosanoids in reproduction.

The central role of eicosanoids in reproduction was studied in areas of important clinical interest. First, their involvement in pregnancy-induced hypertension was investigated. Urine of normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women was analysed for 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, TXB2 and PGE2 by HPLC/RIA. PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha excretion was markedly reduced in the preeclamptic subgroup of hypertensive patients during the last two trimesters. A reduced urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, TXB2 and PGE2 was also found in a hypertension animal model (rat). Further, tissue cultures of human placentas, deciduas and fetal membranes from hypertensive pregnancies displayed a reduced prostaglandin production. Secondly, in the same in-vitro model the central role of PGE2 of fetal membrane origin for the beginning or parturition was shown. Thirdly, concerning endometrial function, the enhancement of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 formation in secretory endometrial cells by estradiol-17 beta and progesterone was documented. Fourthly, lipoxygenase product content in peritoneal fluid of endometriotic patients did not differ from controls.