Abstract
PGE and F exert physiological effect on the smooth muscle of blood vessels and the tracheobronchial tree; PGE dilates and F constricts. The lungs are a major site for synthesis, release and degradation of PGS. Altered PGS functions may thus contribute to the pathophysiology of HMD. 8 infants with HMD and 6 controls were studied by analyzing their plasma for PGS by radioimmunoassay, and precursor EFA by TLC and GLC. Gestational age and birth weight of sick infants were similar to controls; 31.4±4.1 vs 33.0±3.2 weeks and 1738±708 vs 1830±204 gms, respectively. Dihomo-γ-linoleic and arachidonic acids were similar in both groups. The following PGS results (mean±SD) were obtained (pg/ml).
The study demonstrated: (1) plasma PGE and F are elevated in HMD as compared with controls and the ratio PGE:F is decreased; (2) upon recovery from HMD, PGE and F are elevated as compared with controls but PGE:F ratio is increased and similar to controls; (3) increased PGE level and high PGE:F ratio may contribute to the PDA.
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Friedman, Z., Demers, L. & Nelson, N. ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFA), PROSTAGLANDINS (PGS) AND HYALINE MEMBRANE DISEASE (HMD). Pediatr Res 11, 571 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01206
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01206