Production of thromboxane and prostaglandins in human blood in the presence of thromboxane synthase inhibitors: a comparison of RIA and GC/MS determinations.

The radioimmunological determination (RIA) of primary prostaglandins (PGs) in serum and plasma was evaluated with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Human blood was stimulated in vitro in the presence or absence of the specific thromboxane synthase inhibitor ridogrel. TxB2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGE2, PGD2 and PGF2 alpha were determined with RIA and GC/MS on the same samples.

Biochemical mechanisms in 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced human platelet aggregation.

The activation of human platelets by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is not accompanied by detectable release of ATP or TXB2. The process is unaffected by cyclooxygenase, thromboxane synthetase or combined cyclooxygenase/lipoxygenase inhibition (suprofen, indomethacin, R 19091, dazoxiben, N.D.

Release of vasopressin by the fetal lamb during premature parturition induced with corticotropin.

These studies were implemented to assess the relationship between fetal vasopressin secretion and the progression of parturition as well as the contribution of specific stimuli to vasopressin release during labor. In chronically catheterized fetal lamb preparations, labor was induced by infusion of adrenocorticotropin (12.5 mg/kg/hr) to seven fetuses at 130 +/- 1 day of gestation.

Application of Orthodox Jewish law to reproductive medicine.

The evaluation and management of fertility problems in Jewish Orthodox patients who strictly follow the Biblical teachings post special problems to the physician. Understanding of the religious, social, and cultural background is of paramount importance in the management of these patients. In this paper some of these problems are discussed.