Influence of acupuncture on maternal serum levels of interleukin-8, prostaglandin F2alpha, and beta-endorphin: a matched pair study.

OBJECTIVE

To measure the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-8, prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha, and beta-endorphin in parturients with acupuncture treatment and in controls to clarify the effect of acupuncture and duration of labor on the serum levels of substances active in cervical ripening and dilatation.

METHODS

A matched pair study was performed involving 80 women with and without prenatal acupuncture treatment, matched for age and parity. Serum levels of IL-8, PGF2alpha, and beta-endorphin were measured in serum samples taken after delivery by use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, enzyme immunoassay, and immunoradiometric assay, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean difference in total duration of labor between matched pairs with and without acupuncture was -136.5 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] 191.1 minutes, -81.9 minutes; paired t test, P < .001). The mean difference of the duration of the first and second stages of labor between matched pairs with and without acupuncture was -138.8 minutes (95% CI 188.6, -89.0 minutes; paired t test, P < .001) and 2.3 minutes (95% CI 15.5, 20.1 minutes; paired t test, P = .8), respectively. The geometric means of ratios of IL-8, PGF2alpha, and beta-endorphin between matched pairs in women with and without acupuncture showed no statistically significant differences. Serum levels of IL-8, PGF2alpha, and beta-endorphin were not significantly correlated with the duration of the first and second stages of labor.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal acupuncture treatment significantly reduces the duration of labor and may be a valuable tool in prenatal preparation. Serum levels of IL-8, PGF2alpha, and beta-endorphin are not significantly influenced by acupuncture and are therefore not likely to mediate acupuncture-related effects during labor.