Effect of Captopril on Uterine Blood Flow and Prostaglandin E Synthesis in the Pregnant Rabbit

Abstract

Captopril, 5 mg/kg, administered to pregnant rabbits caused a reduction in mean arterial pressure (MAP) from 106±2 to 87±2 mmHg (PPPPPPPPPPP4 from 98±4 to 70±2 (PP4; 80±22 ng/ml before and 60±27 ng/ml (NS) during the administration of MgSO₄. Chronic administration of Captopril in doses of either 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg per d from the 15th d of gestation caused an 86% fetal mortality at the lower and a 92% fetal mortality at the higher dose of the drug. These experiments point to the importance of uterine PGE synthesis in maintenance of uterine blood flow and fetal survival during pregnancy and suggest that uterine PGE synthesis is dependent upon angiotensin II. Synthesis of uterine renin and PGE may be necessary for maintenance of uterine blood flow and fetal survival during pregnancy.