Effects of prostaglandins, dibutyryl cAMP, LHRH, estrogens, progesterone, and potassium on output of prostaglandin F2 alpha, 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha, hCG, estradiol, and progesterone by placental minces.

In order to compare the endocrine response of placental minces to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) and to screen for effects of potential stimulatory and inhibitory substances, the simultaneous outputs of PGF2 alpha, 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM), progesterone, 17 beta-estradiol, and hCG were evaluated during a 4 hour incubation in 5 placentas. The output of hCG was highest for 12-week placentas, intermediate for a 16 week placenta, and lowest for term placentas. The output of 17 beta-estradiol by 12 and 16 week placentas in the presence of 30 microM dehydroepian-drosterone sulfate (DHEAS) was greater than that by term placentas. Progesterone output was apparently independent of gestational age although some variation between 12-week placentas was demonstrated. Output of PGF2 alpha was lower in 12 and 16-week placentas than in term placentas and that of PGFM was lower in 12-week placentas than in term placentas. LHRH (100 nM) produced stimulation of PGF2 alpha output (P less than .005) and a trend toward inhibition of progesterone output (which failed to achieve statistical significance) but no stimulation of hCG under these conditions. Stimulation of the outputs of hCG (P less than .005) and PGF2 alpha (P less than .001) and inhibition of that of progesterone (P less than .005) was produced by 20 mM dbcAMP. DHEAS inhibited output of progesterone (P less than .01) and PGF2 alpha (P less than .01). There were no effects of potassium, estrogens, progesterone, or prostaglandins on output of any measured substance.