Modulators of prostaglandin E2 synthesis in human amnion.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of these studies was to determine the effects of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid, and the commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, aspirin and acetaminophen, on the rate of prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis by human amnion cells.


METHODS
Amnion cells were isolated from term, normal pregnancies and grown to confluence. Cells were incubated with control or medium containing 100 mumol/L linoleic acid. Cells were also incubated with control medium or medium containing 10 or 100 micrograms/mL aspirin or acetaminophen.


RESULTS
Following an initial delay, amnion cells exposed to linoleic acid exhibited a significant increase in PGE synthesis. Both aspirin and acetaminophen in clinically relevant concentrations had a significant inhibitory effect on amnion cell PGE synthesis.


CONCLUSIONS
Linoleic acid has a stimulatory effect and aspirin and acetaminophen have an inhibitory effect on PGE synthesis in human amnion cells in culture. We speculate that dietary habits, supplement ingestion, and over-the-counter drug use may affect amnion cell PG production. In view of the potential importance of intrauterine PG production in normal and abnormal labor, further study in this area is indicated.
Pendergraft
J S
JS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa 33606, USA.
O'Brien
W F
WF
Williams
M C
MC
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000650:Amnion / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D001241:Aspirin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D000082:Acetaminophen; D015232:Dinoprostone; D001241:Aspirin