The in vitro production of prostanoids by the human cervix during pregnancy: preliminary observations

The ability of the pregnant human cervix to produce prostanoids has been studied using an in vitro superfusion technique. Tissues obtained from four patients during the first trimester of pregnancy produced prostaglandin E (PGE), prostaglandin F (PGF), 13,14-dihydro-15-oxo-prostaglandin F (PGFM) and 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-oxo-PGF1 alpha). Production of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) was minimal. Preliminary studies using tissue taken at Caesarean hysterectomy during the last trimester of pregnancy indicate that the cervix may show increased prostanoid production during active dilatation. The implications of these observations for an involvement of prostanoids in cervical softening during human parturition are discussed.