Plasma Concentrations of Motion, Somatostatin and Pancreatic Polypeptide Before, During and After Parturition

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Abstract
The plasm concentrations of the gastrointestinal regulatory peptides motilin, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide were measured in 6 pregnant women, 17-35 years old. Plasma samples were drawn 2-3 weeks before, during, and immediately after labor, and 24 h as well as 1 year after delivery. Plasma motilin levels did not change during labor, but peaked non-significantly upon delivery, and were thereafter significantly elevated 24 h post partum (p < 0.05). Plasma motilin concentrations measured one year after delivery were almost identical with the pre-term values. Plasma somatostatin rose non-significantly during labor and peaked transiently upon delivery (p < 0.05), whereas plasma pancreatic polypeptide increased significantly during the second stage of labor (p < 0.05). The plasma motilin increase may be part of a compensatory mechanism leading to augmented gastrointestinal motility after delivery.