In vitro studies of the characteristics of the release of prostaglandins from viscous solutions

The diffusion rates of prostaglandin E2 in different viscous solutions used in clinical practice for inducing abortion and term labour have been studied in the laboratory. The results indicate that of those currently in use, solutions of Dextran might be more appropriate for the purposes. By increasing the viscosity of solutions in use at present, clinical results may be further improved by aiding retention in the vagina or uterus while producing a slow sustained linear release of prostaglandin.