The lack of an effect of furosemide on uterine prostaglandin metabolism

We determined the effect of 2 mg/kg intravenous furosemide on the production and metabolism of prostaglandin E₂ in the utero-placental unit of pregnant dogs. Uterine venous prostaglandins E₂ and 15-keto-13,14-dihydro E₂ were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Even though the dose of furosemide was adequate to effect a good diuresis, neither the production nor the metabolism of prostaglandin E₂ by the uterus was altered by that dose of the drug. Using radioactive microspheres to measure hemodynamic parameters, we observed no change in uterine vascular resistance while renal vascular resistance decreased. Although the renal concentration of furosemide may be higher than the uteroplacental concentration, there is so far no evidence that usual doses of furosemide enhance the production or inhibit the metabolism of prostaglandin E₂.