Biomaterial Database

The fetal membranes as a possible source of amniotic fluid prostaglandins. 1976

M J Keirse, and A C Turnbull

Biosynthesis and metabolism of prostaglandins was studied in human amniotic and chorionic membranes obtained at term. Using specific in vitro methods it was demonstrated that the fetal membranes contain an organization of enzymes regulating both synthesis and degradation of prostaglandins. Differentiation between amnion and chorion showed that virtually all of the biosynthesis and metabolism occurred in the chorion, whereas enzymatic activities in the amnion were negligible or low. The results suggest a high turnover of prostaglandins in the chorion, and its importance as a source of prostaglandins found in amniotic fluid is discussed.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007231	Infant, Newborn	An infant during the first 28 days after birth.	Neonate,Newborns,Infants, Newborn,Neonates,Newborn,Newborn Infant,Newborn Infants
D011247	Pregnancy	The status during which female mammals carry their developing young (EMBRYOS or FETUSES) in utero before birth, beginning from FERTILIZATION to BIRTH.	Gestation,Pregnancies
D011453	Prostaglandins	A group of compounds derived from unsaturated 20-carbon fatty acids, primarily arachidonic acid, via the cyclooxygenase pathway. They are extremely potent mediators of a diverse group of physiological processes.	Prostaglandin,Prostanoid,Prostanoids
D002823	Chorion	The outermost extra-embryonic membrane surrounding the developing embryo. In REPTILES and BIRDS, it adheres to the shell and allows exchange of gases between the egg and its environment. In MAMMALS, the chorion evolves into the fetal contribution of the PLACENTA.	Chorions
D005260	Female		Females
D005321	Extraembryonic Membranes	The thin layers of tissue that surround the developing embryo. There are four extra-embryonic membranes commonly found in VERTEBRATES, such as REPTILES; BIRDS; and MAMMALS. They are the YOLK SAC, the ALLANTOIS, the AMNION, and the CHORION. These membranes provide protection and means to transport nutrients and wastes.	Fetal Membranes,Extra-Embryonic Membranes,Extra Embryonic Membranes,Extra-Embryonic Membrane,Extraembryonic Membrane,Fetal Membrane,Membrane, Extra-Embryonic,Membrane, Extraembryonic,Membrane, Fetal,Membranes, Extra-Embryonic,Membranes, Extraembryonic,Membranes, Fetal
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000650	Amnion	The innermost membranous sac that surrounds and protects the developing embryo which is bathed in the AMNIOTIC FLUID. Amnion cells are secretory EPITHELIAL CELLS and contribute to the amniotic fluid.	Amniotic Membrane,Amnions,Amniotic Membranes,Membrane, Amniotic,Membranes, Amniotic
D000653	Amniotic Fluid	A clear, yellowish liquid that envelopes the FETUS inside the sac of AMNION. In the first trimester, it is likely a transudate of maternal or fetal plasma. In the second trimester, amniotic fluid derives primarily from fetal lung and kidney. Cells or substances in this fluid can be removed for prenatal diagnostic tests (AMNIOCENTESIS).	Amniotic Fluid Index,Amniotic Fluid Indices,Amniotic Fluids,Fluid Index, Amniotic,Fluid Indices, Amniotic,Fluid, Amniotic,Fluids, Amniotic,Index, Amniotic Fluid,Indices, Amniotic Fluid