title: Reduction of immunoreactive prostacyclin metabolite after paralysis in ventilated preterm infants.
abstract: Levels of the stable metabolite of prostacyclin, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) were measured by radioimmunoassay during the first 48 hours of life in a group of 20 infants ventilated for the respiratory distress syndrome in whom a simultaneous record of respiratory activity was made. 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha was significantly lower when the infants were paralysed (P = 0.0004) than when they were breathing spontaneously. Elimination of the capacity for spontaneous respiration may reduce barotrauma and hence the stimulus for prostacyclin release from the lung.
mesh_terms: D015121:6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D015121:6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha