Progesterone and Prostaglandin H Synthase‐2 Involvement in Alcohol‐Induced Preterm Birth in Mice

Abstract

Together, these data suggest that both P4 and PGHS-2 may play roles in alcohol-induced preterm birth.

Influence of progesterone on myometrial contractility in pregnant mice treated with lipopolysaccharide

“…Therefore, although in our study the acute effects of progesterone did not influence uterine contraction in pregnant mice with inflammation, a chronic effect of this agent might be a decrease of uterine contractions. The administration of progesterone in pregnant mice with alcohol‐induced preterm delivery found significant efficacy in prolonging pregnancy 20 . However, there has been no study to evaluate the effect of progesterone on uterine contraction in pregnant animals with inflammation.…”

“…and after 6 h were anesthetized with diethyl ether, and their uterine horns with cervix were excised, and placed in Petri dishes with cold Krebs‐Henseleit solution. In addition, pregnant animals were pretreated with either 2.0 mg 17alpha‐hydroxyprogesterone given s.c. or an equal volume (200 μL) of sesame oil given s.c. 2 h before LPS treatment as described by Cook 20 . Each uterus was cleaned of surrounding tissues and the fetuses and placental tissue were gently removed, and then ring segments of 3 mm in width were cut.…”

Alcohol use in pregnancy and its impact on the mother and child

“…The exact aetiology of prematurity and poor fetal growth in alcohol‐exposed pregnancies is unclear and most likely multi‐factorial, influenced by a combination of alcohol dose, genetics and environmental factors. Murine studies suggest that alcohol alters progesterone and prostaglandin homeostasis which increases the risk of preterm birth [45], but alcohol may directly impact on placental function leading to decreased placental size, impaired blood flow and nutrient transport. In turn, this could lead to various endocrine changes and an increased risk of abruption, umbilical cord vasoconstriction, poor fetal growth and preterm birth [46].…”