Placental prostaglandin levels in pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia is characterized by uteroplacental ischemia. Prostaglandins can alter systemic blood pressure as well as regulate blood flow to the fetoplacental unit. In the present study, levels of prostaglandin E were significantly decreased in placental tissue from pre-eclamptic patients. Prostaglandin F, a potent vasoconstrictor, was markedly elevated. These observations indicate that altered placental metabolism of prostaglandins is an important factor in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia.