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  • Title: Developing applications of prostaglandins in obstetrics and gynecology.
    Author: Hinman JW.
    Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol; 1972 May 01; 113(1):130-8. PubMed ID: 4623550.
    Abstract:
    Clinical research has shown that prostaglandins (PGs) play an important role in every phase of human reproduction. The logical consequence of early basic biological research into PGs is the current interest in clinical evaluation of PGs as agents to induce labor and abortion and to stimulate menstruation. This is a review of the current literature dealing with PG research. Both PGF2alpha and PGE2 are known to induce labor at term when administered by intravenous infusion. Their relative effectiveness as compared to oxytocin has yet to be assessed. Intravenous infusion of PGE1, PGE2, and PGF2alpha will also induce abortion. Current research is being directed toward finding more practical methods of administration than continuous intravenous infusion. There is hope that PGs will be able to be used as a once a month contraceptive administered at the time of expected menstruation following exposure and a possible unwanted pregnancy. The exact mechanism of action of PGs on smooth muscle is still largely unknown. The differences in response of a specific muscle to different PGs have also not received much research attention. Little is known, for example, regarding the action of PGs on the cervix as opposed to the rest of the uterus. Particularly unknown is the mechanism of action of PGs at the molecular level. In most of the situations studied, PGs seem to stimulate adenyl cyclase activity and cyclic adenosine monophosphate formation or accumulation.
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