Concentrations of the prostacyclin metabolite, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, in amniotic fluid during late pregnancy and labour

Concentrations of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1a, the stable metabolite of prostacyclin, PGI2) have been measured in amniotic fluid obtained during late pregnancy and labour. Samples taken at amniotomy during spontaneous labour contained a significantly greater concentration of 6-keto-PGF1α than samples taken at amniotomy before the onset of labour (p 0.1). It is suggested that prostacyclin may have a functional role in the mechanism of parturition in man