Abstract
The transfer of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) across intact fetal membranes (amnion-chorion-decidua) obtained before and after the onset of labor was investigated using a novel system for in vitro fetal membrane culture. Studies using physiological concentrations of PGE2 showed that very little PGE2 will cross the membranes without being metabolised, before or after the onset of labor. It was only when pharmacological concentrations of PGE2 were used that the enzyme activity of the chorion was no longer able to prevent transfer of PGE2 without conversion to inactive metabolites. These results suggest that only small amounts of PGE2 from amnion are normally transferred across the chorio-decidua before or after the onset of labor, but the metabolism of PGE2 subsequent to transfer across the fetal membranes requires further assessment.