NPY and VIP neuropeptides endogenous factors in the induction of preterm delivery labour.

The Authors wanted to verify whether neuropeptides like VIP and NPY have a role in regulating the production of PGE2 by the amniotic membrane, by the use of a continuous cell line of amniotic derivation as a model of study. The study was carried out in the laboratories of the 4th Division of the 2nd Institute of the Maternity Home of the Umberto I General Hospital in Rome.

The role of synthetic prostaglandines in the induction of therapeutical miscarriage.

The Authors tell about their experience on the use of prostaglandins in patients admitted to the fourth Division of the II Institute of the Maternity Home of the Umberto I General Hospital in Rome, suffering from fetal pathologies not compatible with an autonomous life. They describe the effects of the drugs used, underlying their effectiveness in the induction of therapeutical miscarriage.

Clinical and ultrasonographic implications of uterine leiomyomatosis in pregnancy.

Objective: To study the complications related to leiomyomatosis in pregnancy by clinical and ultrasonographic assessment.

Design: A retrospective study.

Subjects: All pregnancies admitted to the 2nd Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Policlinico Umberto I, in the period between January 1992 to December 1993 were surveyed.

[Hypogalactia: therapeutic possibilities].

Having briefly summarized the physiology of lactogenesis and gactopoiesis, the authors stress the fundamental role played by prolactin. In this context, they suggest medical treatment intended to improve mammary function in cases of deficient lactation. Two different types of treatment were tried: direct administration of prolactin or administration of antidopaminergic drugs capable of increasing endogenous prolactin production.