Differential regulation of myometrial prostaglandin production by changes in length.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether stretching and shortening of human myometrial strips alters prostaglandin production.

Study Design: We measured 6-keto prostaglandin F1alpha (PGF1alpha; a PGI2 metabolite) and PGF2alpha in the contraction baths of myometrial strips that were obtained at cesarean delivery from 5 term pregnant women. Fluid was collected after the stretching and after the strip lengths were decreased by 4%, 6%, or 8%.