title: Observations on maternal oxytocin release during human labor and the effect of intravenous alcohol administration.
abstract: Serial blood samples were obtained from 97 women in spontaneous labor, and oxytocin levels were determined by a sensitive and highly specific radioimmunoassay. The following observations were made: (1) The hormone is released in a series of "spurts"; (2) the peak levels achieved are usually 2 to 5 muU per milliliter and never exceed 12.5 muU per milliliter; (3) the frequency of spurt release increases as labor progresses, reaching a maximum in the second stage; (4) the frequency of spurt release is reduced during intravenous infusion of alcohol at levels which produce no obvious effect on uterine activity.
mesh_terms: D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007747:Labor Stage, First; D007748:Labor Stage, Second; D007749:Labor Stage, Third; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000097:blood*; D010904:Pituitary Gland, Posterior / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol; D010121:Oxytocin