THE ROLE OF GRAVIDINE, A PHOSPHOLIPASE A( 2) INHIBITOR, IN PARTURITION

Objective: What is the significance of gravidine, a phospholipase A(2) inhibitor, in parturition? Methods: Gravidine concentrations were mea sured in amniotic fluid obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis from women in labor at term and not in labor using a sensitive and specific ELISA. Results: (1) Amniotic fluid gravidine concentrations were lowe r in the presence than in the absence of labor. (2) Gravidine concentr ations in the amniotic fluid of the forebag were higher than in the am niotic fluid of the upper compartment. (3) There was a positive correl ation between gestational age and amniotic fluid gravidine concentrati ons. (4) No such correlation could be demonstrated between cervical di lation and amniotic fluid gravidine concentrations. Conclusion: These results suggest that gravidine may play a permissive role in the inter play with prostanoids in the mechanism of parturition.