Elevated level of free 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha in the decidua basalis of women with preeclampsia

OBJECTIVES: The prostaglandinlike compound 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha re presents an index of oxidative stress and has the ability to induce endothe lial derangement, platelet activation, and vasoconstriction. In women with preeclampsia the decidual spiral arteries contain lipid deposits (acute ath erosis). Analogously to the elevated level of 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha demonstrated in atherosclerotic lesions, we hypothesized that 8-iso-prosta glandin F-2 alpha level would be elevated in preeclamptic decidua basalis t issues. STUDY DESIGN: Decidua basalis tissues were obtained by vacuum aspiration an d placental tissues were obtained by excision at cesarean delivery from 16 preeclamptic and 15 normal pregnancies. Total and free 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha concentrations were quantified with an enzyme immunoassay techniq ue after lipid extraction and separation. RESULTS: The content of free 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha in preeclamptic decidual tissues was found to be significantly elevated with respect to tha t in control tissues. The content of total 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha di d not differ significantly between the groups in either placenta or decidua basalis. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that free 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha released fr om the decidua basalis in preeclampsia may mediate maternal vascular dysfun ction and platelet activation.