CONCENTRATIONS OF THE PROSTACYCLIN METABOLITE, 6–KETO–PROSTAGLANDIN F, IN AMNIOTIC FLUID DURING LATE PREGNANCY AND LABOUR.

Abstract
Summary: Concentrations of 6–keto–prostaglandin F (6–keto–PGF, the stable metabolite of prostacyclin, PGI2) have been measured in amniotic fluid obtained during late pregnancy and labour. Samples taken at amniotomy during spontaneous labour contained a significantly greater concentration of 6–keto–PGF than samples taken at amniotomy before the onset of labour (p 0 1). It is suggested that prostacyclin may have a functional role in the mechanism of parturition in man.