Effects of Fetal Endotoxin Administration on Plasma Prostaglandin F2α and Cortisol Levels in Late-Gestation Fetal Goats

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Abstract
Objective: Fetal plasma prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and cortisol responses to fetal endotoxin administration were evaluated in late-gestation goats (n = 9). Methods: After endotoxin (Escherichia coli, O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide) administration, fetal plasma PGF2α and cortisol levels, fetal blood gases and pH were measured periodically. Results: After endotoxin administration, fetal plasma cortisol levels increased to 9.8 ± 1.4 and 9.4 ± 1.2 ng/ml after 1 and 3 h, respectively (p < 0.05) and PGF2α levels did not change throughout the study. Conclusions: These results suggest that absent PGF2α and attenuated cortisol responses to fetal endotoxin administration, relative to the adult, may be a self-protective mechanism which diminishes the likelihood of premature delivery.