STEROIDS IN HUMAN MYOMETRIUM AND MATERNAL AND UMBILICAL-CORD PLASMA BEFORE AND DURING LABOR

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 53  (5) , 617-622
Abstract
Concentrations of estrone [E1], estradiol [E2] and progesterone [P] in the myometrium, maternal peripheral vein, and mixed umbilical cord plasma were determined before and during labor by radioimmunoassay. Of the 29 patients studied, 4 underwent elective abortions by hysterotomy in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy and 25 underwent cesarean section (elective or during labor). The concentration of umbilical cord cortisol in the latter group of patients was also determined. Advanced labor was characterized by a high concentration of E1 in the maternal peripheral vein, the umbilical cord and the myometrium. Concentrations of E2, P and cortisol in cord plasma also increased during labor. From the 2nd trimester to term pregnancy, increases in the concentrations of E1 and E2 in the myometrium were proportionately greater than those of P. During labor, there were no significant changes in the myometrial concentrations of E1, E2 or P. During labor in term pregnancies, the myometrial concentration of E1 was higher than that of E2.