Uterine prostaglandin E secretion and uterine blood flow in the pregnant rabbit.

Studies were performed in pregnant rabbits to assess the effect of inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis on uterine blood flow. Cardiac output and uteroplacental blood flow (UPBF) were measured using radiolabeled microspheres. Prostaglandin E (PGE) concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay in the uterine vein and peripheral artery of the pregnant nephrectomized rabbit. Either meclofenamate or indomethacin 2 mg/kg were utilized to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Systemic arterial pressure increased from 86 mm Hg to 98 mm Hg (P less than0.0001) after prostaglandin inhibition. Cardiac output was unchanged after the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, 326 ml/min to 7.8 ml/min. Uterine vein PGE concentration was extremely high, 172.4 ng/ml, with concomitant peripheral arterial PGE 2.1 NG/ML. Intravenous administration of either meclofenamate or indomethacin reduced uterine vein PGE to 23 ng/ml (P less than 0.01) and arterial PGE to 1.0 ng/ml (P less than 0.05). Male and nonpregnant female rabbits had lower arterial PGE, 0.37 ng/ml (P less 0.05). Studies in non-nephrectomized pregnant animals demonstrated that uteroplacental secretion of PGE was greater than five times renal secretion. These studies demonstrate that the rabbit uteroplacental unit is a rich source of PGE and suggest that production of the vasoactive lipid may have a key role in regulating UPBF during pregnancy.