The effect of orciprenaline sulphate on the in vitro production of postaglandins E and F by the guinea pig uterus.

The effect of orciprenaline sulphate on the in vitro production of PGs E and F by guinea pig uterine tissue homogenates has been investigated. Estmations of PGs were carried out using sensitive radioimmunoassay techniques. The results indicated that orciprenaline can effectively reduce the in vitro yield of PGs E and F from guinea pig uterine tissue. This could in turn be due to an inhibitory effect of orciprenalline on PG formation or due to stimulation of PG breadkdown by the drug. The implications of these results in relation to premature labour are discussed.