Arachidonic acid in amniotic fluid after extra-amniotic instillation of rivanol for midtrimester abortion

Free arachidonic acid was measured by gas liquid chromatography in amniotic fluid in 13 women during induction of midtrimester abortion. The abortions were induced by extraamniotic instillation of 0.1% Rivanol. Serial sampling of amniotic fluid were performed through a transabdominal catheter up to 22 hrs. Free, total arachidonic acid showed a significant increase from 26 +/- 8 ng/ml to 293 +/- 102 ng/ml at 22 hrs. The percentage of free arachidonic acid in total free fatty acids increased significantly from 2.2 +/- 0.5 to 6.1 +/- 1.6+ during the same time. The results suggest a selective release of arachidonic acid during Rivanol-induced abortion.