Inhibiton of prostaglandin synthesis by human amniotic fluid: acute reduction in inhibitory activity of amniotic fluid obtained during labor.

Human amniotic fluid contains an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. The activity of the inhibitor was measured in amniotic fluid obtained in early pregnancy, and at term both before and after the onset of labor. The inhibitory activity was greater in amniotic fluid taken in early pregnancy than in fluid taken at term before the onset of labor (P less than 0.05). There was a further significant reduction in inhibitory activity (P less than 0.01) in amniotic fluid collected during labor. These results are suggestive that the onset of labor is associated with a local withdrawal of inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis.