Clinical studies of plasma PGF2 alpha M, the circulating prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite.

Plasma concentrations of 13,14,dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F2 alpha were measured (1) serially in six healthy young adults over 24-25 h; (2) in 62 male and 61 female subjects aged 3 to 64 years; (3) before and after a 12-h volley ball marathon in eight players and eight controls, and (4) in 41 geriatric in-patients aged 65 years and over. There was a small diurnal variation in plasma PGF2 alpha M concentration, levels being highest around 08.00 to 09.00 h. Concentrations did not change with age in fit subjects up to 64 years. Significantly increased concentrations were found in elderly sick patients, high levels in men being associated most often with pulmonary symptoms. Concentrations were not increased significantly by 12 h of competitive sport.