Differential modulation of ovine fetal ACTH secretion by PGHS-1 and PGHS-2

We have previously demonstrated that prostaglandin generation within the fetal brain augments or partially mediates fetal reflex responsiveness to hypotension. The present study was performed to test the relative roles of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthases-1 and -2 (PGHS-1 and 2, or COX-1 and 2) as potential mediators of this interaction.

Chronically catheterized and instrumented fetal sheep were subjected to transient brachiocephalic occlusion (BCO) after intracerebroventricular injection of resveratrol (PGHS-1 or COX-1 inhibitor), nimesulide (PGHS-2 or COX-2 inhibitor), or vehicle.

BCO decreased arterial pressure perfusing the fetal brain and stimulated increases in systemic blood pressure and heart rate as well as in circulating concentrations of ACTH. Inhibition of PGHS-1 and PGHS-2 had differential effects on fetal ACTH secretion. Pre-BCO concentrations of plasma ACTH increased in response to nimesulide, while the fetal ACTH response to BCO was delayed by resveratrol. Prior to the BCO, nimesulide also increased fetal blood pressure and decreased fetal heart rate. The injections of resveratrol and nimesulide did not alter placental biosynthesis of prostaglandins and therefore acted within the fetal brain.

We conclude that prostaglandin generated in the fetal brain by the action of PGHS-1 augments fetal ACTH reflex responses to BCO but that, in contrast, the action of PGHS-2 is inhibitory to ACTH secretion.