Gestational age-dependent up-regulation of prostaglandin D synthase (PGDS) and production of PGDS-derived antiinflammatory prostaglandins in human placenta.

Context: The importance of prostaglandin (PG) signaling pathways to the maintenance of pregnancy and initiation of labor is well recognized. However, the complexity of these pathways and the mechanism(s) of their coordinated regulation in physiological and pathological conditions are only now being appreciated.

Objectives: In this report we provide new evidence of a complete pathway for the biosynthesis and actions of PGD(2) and its metabolites within human gestational tissues.

Identification of 9alpha,11beta-prostaglandin F2 in human amniotic fluid and characterization of its production by human gestational tissues.

Context: 9alpha,11beta-Prostaglandin F(2) (9alpha,11beta-PGF(2)) can contract uterine smooth muscle with a potency equal to PGF(2alpha). Its presence in the human uterus and production by human gestational tissues is unknown.

Objective: These studies were performed to determine whether the PGD(2)-derived 9alpha,11beta-PGF(2) is both present in human amniotic fluid and synthesized by human gestational tissues and if so, whether labor-related substances could regulate its production.