Effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha and hypertonic saline on the placental function during midtrimester abortion

Changes in placental function during the induction of midtrimester abortion by prostaglandin F2 alpha and hypertonic saline were investigated. Serial estimations of human placental lactogen (HPL) and cystine aminopeptidase (CAP) were carried out in 17 subjects. There was a significant (P smaller than 0.01) reduction in the plasma CAP and HPL levels 4 hours after PGF2 alpha administration. In the case of hypertonic saline abortions only HPL levels showed a reduction at 8 and 12 hours after induction.