The role of prostaglandins in endotoxemia and comparisons in response in the nonpregnant, maternal, and fetal models. II. Alterations in prostaglandin physiology in the nonpregnant, pregnant, and fetal experimental animal.
The present study evaluates the response of the nonpregnant ewe, the pregnant ewe, and the fetal lamb with regard to prostaglandin physiology after E. coli endotoxin administration. Baseline levels are reported and response to a stimulator (E. coli endotoxin) and an inhibitor (indomethacin) of prostaglandin synthesis is evaluated. The results reveal that the prostaglandin response to stimulation or inhibition relies upon the baseline levels and that acute alterations of prostaglandin ratios may occur with inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. The fetus reacts differently than the pregnant and nonpregnant animal and appears to be resistant to the effects of endotoxin, which may be secondary to the elevated baseline fetal prostaglandin levels.
D000818:Animals; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004926:Escherichia coli; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D011454:Prostaglandins A / Q000097:blood; D011458:Prostaglandins E / Q000097:blood; D012756:Sheep
D004731:Endotoxins; D011453:Prostaglandins; D011454:Prostaglandins A; D011458:Prostaglandins E; D007213:Indomethacin