Central venous concentrations of immunoreactive prostaglandins E, F, and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 in eclampsia.

Concentrations of prostaglandins E, F, and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha were estimated in central venous blood and amniotic fluid in 21 women with eclampsia and 16 healthy pregnant controls. Central venous blood concentrations of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and prostaglandin E were significantly lower in patients than controls before delivery and remained reduced for at least 48 hours after delivery. Low concentrations of prostaglandins E and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha are probably directly related to the pathogenesis of eclampsia.