Effect of acetylsalicylic acid on prostacyclin production in trophoblast.
In attempt to elucidate whether acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has an in vivo effect on prostacyclin (PGI2)-like activity released from trophoblast we have evaluated PGI2-like activity in pregnant women scheduled for pregnancy termination after ASA ingestion. Following subjects were studied: Group I: 7 healthy pregnant women who were treated with 1.5 g ASA for two days; Group II: 18 control pregnant women who received placebo for two days. Trophoblast specimens were obtained by legal abortions; PGI2-like activity in trophoblast was measured by the method of Moncada. In normal pregnant women (8-10 weeks gestation) treated with ASA the mean PGI2-like activity of trophoblast significantly decreased compared to the controls. These data indicate that treatment with ASA of early pregnant women might have a harmful effect on trophoblast and the problem should be further explored before allowing the administration of cyclooxygenase inhibiting drugs during early pregnancy.
D000328:Adult; D001241:Aspirin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000378:metabolism*
D011464:Epoprostenol; D001241:Aspirin