Thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin levels in molar pregnancy

Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1984 Sep;91(9):908-12. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1984.tb03707.x.

Abstract

Plasma levels of thromboxane (TX) A2 and prostacyclin (PGI2), as measured by radioimmunoassay of their respective stable metabolites TXB2 and 6-keto PGF1 alpha, were studied in six molar pregnancies immediately before, immediately following and 24 h after evacuation of the uterus. The mean (SD) levels for TXB2 were 150 (41), 137 (32) and 125 (25) pg/ml respectively, and for 6-keto PGF1 alpha the respective values were 225 (52), 226 (127) and 213 (49) pg/ml. There was no significant difference in the levels of prostanoids between the samples taken at the various time intervals. The concentration of these prostanoids in molar intravesicular fluid was also determined. Their respective mean (SD) pg/ml values were 3682 (760) for TXB2 and 2969 (744) for 6-keto PGF1 alpha. In 15 normal pregnancies of equivalent gestation, the mean amniotic fluid levels of TXB2 and 6-keto PGF1 alpha were 34 (17) and 146 (86) pg/ml respectively. The ability of molar trophoblast to generate the prostanoids from [14C]arachidonic acid in vitro was also demonstrated. Mean (SD) values for TXB2 and 6-keto PGF1 alpha were 12.2 (2.6) and 13.2 (1.8) pg/mg protein/min, respectively. It is likely that the high concentrations of prostanoids in vesicular fluid reflect the synthesizing ability of the villus vesicles. The mole contributes little to the circulatory prostanoids possibly because its villi are deficient in blood circulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha / blood
  • 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha / metabolism
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Epoprostenol / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydatidiform Mole / blood
  • Hydatidiform Mole / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Thromboxane A2 / metabolism*
  • Thromboxane B2 / blood
  • Thromboxane B2 / metabolism
  • Thromboxanes / metabolism*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / blood
  • Uterine Neoplasms / metabolism*

Substances

  • Thromboxanes
  • Thromboxane B2
  • Thromboxane A2
  • 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha
  • Epoprostenol