Abstract: | Five prostaglandins, i.e. prostaglandins E2, F2alpha and D2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha and thromboxane B2, were measured by mass spectrometry. Homogenates of fetal lamb brain, lung, liver, spleen and kidney and the ductus arteriosus, aorta and pulmonary artery formed different amounts of each product. Although the main prostaglandin in the fetal organs was prostaglandin E2, arterial tissue formed mostly 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha. These results demonstrate significant differences between organs and tissues in the relative direction of the 'prostaglandin synthetase' enzyme complex. |