The effect of platelet activating factor antagonist (BN 52021) on pregnancy duration and collagen content in the pregnant rat uterus and cervix

Abstract

In order to study the role of Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) in the mechanism of parturition and connective tissue metabolism in the pregnant rat uterus, we investigated the influence of the Platelet Activating Factor Receptor Antagonist (BN 52021) on gestation duration and collagen concentration in pregnant rat uterus and cervix at term. Total and soluble collagen as well as dry tissue/wet tissue ratio were measured in the BN 52021 treated group (n=9) and in the control group (n=13). Gestation duration was evaluated in a group receiving BN 52021 (n=10) and in a control group (n=19) receiving pure solvent. There were no significant differences in water content. The total and soluble collagen concentration was also similar to the control in both the uterus and the cervix. The only significant difference was observed in the soluble collagen/total collagen ratio in the uterus. BN 52021 administration did not alter the gestational period. Basing on this experiment we suggest that not all the phospholipid metabolites activated by phospholipase A₂ significantly influence the duration of pregnancy and connective tissue metabolism in the pregnant rat uterus.