Effects of prostaglandins of the E-series on pulmonary and systemic circulations of newborn goats during normoxia and hypoxia

Effects of exogenous prostaglandins of the E-series on pulmonary and systemic circulations of newborn goats were investigated during normoxia and hypoxia. Pulmonary arterial infusion of prostaglandins E₁ and E₂ decreased pulmonary vascular resistance 20% and 14%, respectively, without systemic effects. Prostaglandin E₁ abolished the pulmonary pressor response to hypoxia. Prostaglandin E₂ was less effective in counteracting this hypoxic response. The increased pulmonary vascular resistance and augmented response to hypoxia following indomethacin administration was reversed by prostaglandin E₁. Infusion of prostaglandin E₁ directly into the pulmonary circulation may be of benefit to the distressed newborn with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance.