EICOSANOID PRODUCTION BY PLACENTAL AND AMNION TISSUES FROM CONTROL AND NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETIC RATS - INFLUENCE OF OXYTOCIN IN THE INCUBATING MEDIUM

Eicosanoid production by intrauterine tissues from control and neonata l-streptozotocin induced diabetic rats during late pregnancy was evalu ated. In diabetic placenta the release of 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) was foun d diminished when compared to controls. In addition, LTB4 generation w as increased in diabetic placenta. No alterations in the production of TXA(2), PGE(2), PGE(1) and PGF(2 alpha) was found when diabetic and c ontrol placenta were compared. In amnion tissue a decreased generation of 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) was observed in the diabetic group, but no alt eration in any other eicosanoid evaluated was found. Oxytocin (5 mU/ml , in vitro), which increases prostaglandin synthesis in rabbit and hum an amnion tissues, did not modify eicosanoid generation in control rat amnion. In contrast, in diabetic amnion the presence of oxytocin furt her decreased the release of 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) and diminished PGE(1) generation. The present results suggest that this mildly diabetic sta te induces alterations in eicosanoid production in intrauterine tissue s, abnormalities probably enhanced during parturition, when endogenous concentrations of oxytocin are elevated.