The influence of estrogens, progesterone and their antagonists on the collagen content in the pregnant rat uterus.

The influence of progesterone, estrogens and their antagonists: mifepristone and tamoxifen on connective tissue metabolism in pregnant rat uterus near term was evaluated. Total collagen and its soluble fraction as well as water concentration was measured in a population of 65 pregnant rats; treated with progesterone (n = 10), mifepristone (n = 13), estradiol (n = 17) and tamoxifen (n = 12). The results suggest the important influence of sex steroids on the uterine connective tissue metabolism during pregnancy.

Prostaglandin-induced changes and the influence of cyclo-and lipoxygenase inhibitors on the uterine collagen concentration in late pregnancy in rats.

During late pregnancy, the influence of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 on the collagen concentration in a rat's uterus was analysed. In order to evaluate the influence of endogenous prostaglandins and leukotrienes on connective tissue metabolism, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (Diclofenac) and a dual cyclo-and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor (BW755C) were administered prior to the collection of samples. Total collagen and its soluble fraction as well as water content were determined in the uteri in a population of 58 pregnant rats treated with PGF2 alpha (n = 16), PGE2 (n = 11), Diclofenac (n = 11), BW755C (n = 7) and controls (n = 13). The most evident changes in tissue hydration and collagen concentration were observed in the PGF2 alpha and Diclofenac treated groups. The results clearly show the affinity of PGF2 alpha to the uterus and the role of endogenous PGs in the maintenance of pregnancy by influencing connective tissue metabolism.

[Spontaneous rupture of an endometriotic cyst in pregnancy near term]. / Samoistne pekniecie torbieli czekoladowej w ciazy donoszonej.

The spontaneous rupture of endometriotic ovarian cyst in near term pregnancy is presented. The clinical symptoms of this case suggested the abruption of normally localised placenta. Because of acute abdominal symptoms urgent cesarean section was performed and healthy fetus was delivered. The proper diagnosis was settled after the posterior uterine wall was controlled. The cyst was removed and then the ovary was sewn. Histopathological examination of removed cyst confirmed the diagnosis.

Influence of progesterone and its antagonist mifepristone (RU 486) on collagen content in uterine cervix in pregnant rats.

Total collagen and its soluble fraction as well as water content were determined in late pregnancy in the uterine cervix in a population of 36 rats treated with progesterone (n = 10), mifepristone (n = 13) and controls (n = 13). In both treated groups there were no signs of delivery on the 21st day of gestation. Water content was significantly lower in the mifepristone-treated group. A statistically higher soluble collagen fraction was observed in this group. The results obtained in the progesterone-treated group were not significantly different when compared to the controls. Significant differences were observed between progesterone- and mifepristone-treated groups in total and soluble fractions of collagen.

Influence of estradiol and tamoxifen on collagen content in the uterine cervix of pregnant rats.

During late pregnancy, the uterine cervix of 42 rats (control n = 13, estradiol n = 17, tamoxifen n = 12) were analyzed for total collagen, its soluble fraction and water content. Symptoms of delivery were present on day 21 of gestation in 23.5% of the rats in the estradiol group but there were no similar symptoms on day 21 in the control and tamoxifen groups. The concentration of total and soluble collagen in the estradiol group was lower (p < 0.01) than in the control group. In the tamoxifen group, while the soluble collagen was lower (p < 0.01) than in the control group, the total collagen concentration was higher, but not significantly so.

The influence of prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors on collagen concentration in the rat uterine cervix.

The biochemical changes in the pregnant cervix near term after prostaglandin administration are still not well known. We investigated PGF2 alpha and PGE2 induced changes in collagen concentration in late pregnant rat cervix. The influence of cyclooxygenase and dual cyclo- and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors on collagen concentration in late pregnant rat cervix was also evaluated. Total collagen and its soluble fraction were measured in a population of 58 pregnant rats; treated with PGF2 alpha (n = 16), PGE2 (n = 11), Diclofenac (cyclooxygenase inhibitor) (n = 11), BW 755C (dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase) (n = 7) and controls (n = 13). The results of the study suggest that cervical collagen concentration is controlled at least in part by prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

The effect of platelet activating factor antagonist (BN 52021) on pregnancy duration and collagen content in the pregnant rat uterus and cervix.

In order to study the role of Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) in the mechanism of parturition and connective tissue metabolism in the pregnant rat uterus, we investigated the influence of the Platelet Activating Factor Receptor Antagonist (BN 52021) on gestation duration and collagen concentration in pregnant rat uterus and cervix at term. Total and soluble collagen as well as dry tissue/wet tissue ratio were measured in the BN 52021 treated group (n = 9) and in the control group (n = 13). Gestation duration was evaluated in a group receiving BN 52021 (n = 10) and in a control group (n = 19) receiving pure solvent. There were no significant differences in water content. The total and soluble collagen concentration was also similar to the control in both the uterus and the cervix. The only significant difference was observed in the soluble collagen/total collagen ratio in the uterus. BN 52021 administration did not alter the gestational period. Basing on this experiment we suggest that not all the phospholipid metabolites activated by phospholipase A2 significantly influence the duration of pregnancy and connective tissue metabolism in the pregnant rat uterus.

[Use of nalador for pregnancy termination in the second trimester]. / Zastosowanie Naladoru w indukcji poronienia w II trymestrze ciazy.

The efficacy of Nalador in the induction of second trimester pregnancy termination in 23 pregnant women was assessed. The most frequent indications for pregnancy termination were: severe CNS malformations, chromosome aberrations, hydatidiform mole and missed abortion. In all treated cases Nalador was effective. There was no correlation between a total dose of Nalador needed for pregnancy termination and gestational age. The total dose of drug was not correlated with the indication to pregnancy termination. The important side effects were not observed. Neither in red and white blood cell patterns nor in blood clotting significant changes were found. The genital tract and uterine injury were not observed (in one case Nalador was administered to the patient who underwent caesarean section in the past). It has been concluded, that Nalador is effective, safe and free of side effects for the induction of the second trimester pregnancy termination.

[Ultrasound diagnosis of vesico-uterine fistula]. / Ultrasonograficzna diagnostyka przetoki pecherzowo-macicznej.

The case of vesico-uterine fistula after cesarean section was described. Ultrasound technique was used to confirm the diagnosis because of noncharacteristic urography and absence of typical changes in urine analysis. Surgical intervention with good result was performed 3 month after cesarean section.

Induction of labor and cervical maturation using mifepristone (RU 486) in the late pregnant rat. Influence of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (Diclofenac).

The mechanism of action of RU 486 (Mifepristone), an antiprogesterone compound, on labor induction and on cervical maturation, is still not well documented. We have investigated the effect of RU 486, alone and in association with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (Diclofenac) on the induction of preterm delivery and on concomitant changes in the distribution of cervical glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in pregnant Wistar rats: a control group (n = 18), a RU 486 treated group (n = 36), and a RU 486 and Diclofenac treated group (n = 15). The results of this study confirm the ability of this antiprogesterone treatment to induce preterm delivery in the rat. This effect was antagonized by cyclooxygenase inhibition, suggesting that the action of RU 486 on labor induction could be mediated by prostaglandins. The absence of an increase in plasma prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in RU 486 treated animals could be explained by local uterine changes in prostaglandin concentrations. Mifepristone also induced some of the biochemical features of cervical maturation (i.e. increased hydration and hyaluronic acid concentration). This effect was not inhibited in Diclofenac treated animals suggesting that factors other than prostaglandins play a role in this phenomenon.

Cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors--induced changes in the distribution of glycosaminoglycans in the pregnant rat uterine cervix.

In order to study the hormonal control mechanisms of cervical maturation, we investigated cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors-induced changes in the distribution of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in pregnant Wistar rat uterine cervices at term. The GAG were measured in a control (n = 11), in a Diclofenac (cyclooxygenase inhibitor) treated group (n = 8), in a BW 755C (dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase) treated group (n = 6), and a L 651392 (5-lipoxygenase inhibitor) treated group (n = 9). The results of these studies suggest, that cervical hyaluronic acid metabolism and cervical hydration are controlled in association by prostaglandins and leukotrienes (and perhaps by other phospholipids metabolites), whereas heparan sulphate metabolism is obviously controlled by prostaglandins. Nevertheless complete and normal cervical maturation is probably controlled in association by arachidonic acid metabolites and other factors (steroids and peptides).