Serum hormone levels in women undergoing successful first and second trimester abortions induced by 9-deoxo-16, 16-dimethyl-9-methylene prostaglandin E2 vagitories have been measured. Significantly decreased levels of prolactin (p less than 0.01) and TSH (p less than 0.05) were seen in both groups of women but the drop appeared sooner, within two hours, in first trimester abortions. Regardless of gestational length there was a significant decrease in serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (p less than 0.01) concentrations in maternal serum six hours into treatment. In the second trimester abortions total estriol, alpha-fetoprotein and lactoplacental hormone hPL were analysed in maternal serum but the levels did not change over the eight hour investigation period. It is speculated that the PGE2-derivative most likely affects the maternal pituitary secretion of prolactin and TSH, possibly via direct or indirect interference with TRH mechanism(s).

16,16-Dimethylprostaglandin E2↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Pregnancy termination.

During pregnancy, the antiprogestin mifepristone will induce uterine contractions, increase the sensitivity of the myometrium to prostaglandin, and ripen the cervix. These effects indicate that mifepristone can be used for termination of pregnancy. The clinical experience has shown that mifepristone is sufficiently effective for this purpose only if combined with a suitable prostaglandin, e.g. gemeprost or misoprostol. The combined treatment has been used for termination of early pregnancy (up to 63 days of amenorrhea) and for termination of second trimester pregnancy. During early pregnancy, the recommended dose of mifepristone is 600 mg (although 200 mg seems sufficient), followed 36-48 h later by 0.4-0.8 mg misoprostol administered either orally or vaginally, or vaginal administration of 1.0 mg gemeprost. For termination of second trimester pregnancy, the treatment with mifepristone is most commonly combined with 1.0 mg gemeprost repeated at 3-6-h intervals. The combined treatment is as effective and safe during early pregnancy as is the alternative vacuum aspiration and is also equally acceptable if the woman is allowed to choose the method she prefers. During the second trimester, the pretreatment will significantly reduce the duration of labor, dose of prostaglandin, and the frequency of side effects.

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Fetal dopamine-rich mesencephalic grafts in Parkinson's disease.

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Brain↗