HUMAN PLACENTAL-TRANSFER OF THE PROSTAGLANDIN INHIBITOR SULINDAC USING AN IN-VITRO MODEL

Objective: We determined whether the prostaglandin inhibitor sulindac crosses the human placenta. Methods: The recirculating single-cotyledo n placenta model was used to characterize the maternal-to-fetal and fe tal-to-maternal transport of C-14-labeled sulindac in normal term plac entas perfused immediately after delivery. Antipyrine was added as a s tandard for simple diffusion. Serial samples were taken from both rese rvoirs during each 3-hour perfusion. Transport was calculated using li quid scintillation spectrometry for C-14-labeled sulindac and high-per formance liquid chromatography for antipyrine. Results: There was sign ificant maternal-to-fetal transfer of sulindac. The mean (+/- SD) tran sfer at 2 hours was 7.22 +/- 2.57%. The fetal-to-maternal transfer was similar at 10.75 +/- 3.80%. The mean maternal/fetal concentration rat io of sulindac was 0.42 at 3 hours. Placental uptake ranged from 24-45 ng/g of placenta. Conclusions: Sulindac crosses the human placenta in small but significant amounts. The transport is similar in both direc tions, implying simple diffusion.