Some clinical and theoretical aspects on prostaglandins in obstetrics and gynecology.

The present article discusses two aspects on prostaglandins, both related to the control of uterine contractility. One concerns a clinical problem, induction of abortion, and argues in favor of systemic instead of intrauterine administration of prostaglandins and the choice of E instead of F analogues. The other relates to the stimulatory effect on the myometrium of some recently detected endogenous prostaglandins. The discussion regarding the endogenous control of myometrial contractility has so far exclusively been focused upon the classical prostaglandins. It is, however, felt that substances like PGH2, PGI2 and thromboxane A2 may play a significant role in the regulation of uterine activity.