The influence of prostaglandin E2 and oxytocin on the incorporation of [3H]proline and [3H]glucosamine in the human amnion.

Fetal membranes were obtained in connection with 1st-trimester abortion and vaginal delivery or elective caesarean section at term. Pieces of the isolated amnion membrane were incubated in vitro with [3H]proline or [3H]glucosamine in the presence of prostaglandin (PG) E2 or oxytocin. PGE2 reduced the labelling with [3H]proline in the 1st trimester and in membranes obtained at vaginal delivery, whereas an increase of incorporation was observed before start of labour. Oxytocin reduced [3H]proline labelling at any stage. In membranes from vaginally delivered women both oxytocin and PGE2 stimulated the incorporation of [3H]glucosamine, whereas oxytocin diminished radiolabelling in the other experimental groups. Regarding the radiolabelling with [3H]proline and [3H]glucosamine as reflecting the de novo formation of collagen and proteoglycans, respectively, it is suggested that both PGE2 and oxytocin, by their influence on connective tissue metabolism, may regulate the tensile properties of the fetal membranes.