The effect of orciprenaline sulphate on the in vitro production of prostaglandins E and F by the guinea pig uterus

The effect of orciprenaline sulphate on the in vitro production of PGs E and F by guinea pig uterine tissue homogenates has been investigated. Estimations of PGs were carried out using sensitive radioimmunoassay techniques. The results indicate that orciprenaline can effectively reduce the in vitro yield of PGs E and F from guinea pig uterine tissue. This could in turn be due to an inhibitory effect of orciprenaline on PG formation or due to stimulation of PG breakdown by the drug. The implications of these results in relation to premature labour are discussed.