The Prostaglandins In Human Reproduction

The role of prostaglandins in physiological events and pathological disorders related to human reproduction has been most actively investigated in the past decade. Their clinical use for fertility regulation, extensively evaluated, represents the most common clinical indication for the administration of these remarkable compounds. Thus, it is most appropriate to update the available information related to the use of prostaglandins in the regulation of human fertility to provide a background document for the benefit of clinicians and scientists. Invited experts of international reputation from various parts of the world have contributed, each in his own area of interest, to offer this book, which we hope will fill an existing gap. M. T. M. B. E. S. E. H. ix 1 Potential for prostaglandin use in controlling human reproduction K. T. KIRTON and F. A. KIMBALL BACKGROUND It was observed in 1930 that seminal plasma of a number of species contained very large amounts of substance(s) capable of altering uterine motility. These substances were subsequently demonstrated to be prostaglandins (PGs); this began the early and continued association of this group of compounds with reproduction. The activity was found to be associated with a fraction containing lipid-soluble acids, derived from prostanoic acid. Restrictions imposed by obscure sources and small amounts of material available for testing were initially impediments to their study.

The voluminous literature on prostaglandins includes some excellent reviews. For some time however, there has been a need for the collection in one volume of information from individual experts actively engaged in different aspects of prostaglandin research. This book is an attempt to fulfil that need. In view of the expanding interest and ever-growing accumulation of data of the various effects of prostaglandins it is hoped to revise the book and bring it up-to-date periodically. The largest section is that on reproduction, in which field progress in research and clinical applications thereof have been, and are, of great significance particularly in the area of popula tion control. This is not to decry the skill and efforts of investi gators in other aspects of prostaglandin activity nor the potential biological or therapeutic importance of their findings. In this context, what may appear to be omissions are individual sections on prostaglandin activity in the central nervous system, in the eye and as mediators of the inflammatory response. These are considered in the chapter on General Pharmacology of the Prostaglandins not because they might be considered to be of lesser impact and significance but in order to achieve a rapid publication of the book. S. M. M. KARIM Kampala, Uganda. January 1972. Acknowledgements Tables and Figures previously published are, in general, acknowledged by the reference in the legends and I am grateful to the authors, editors and publishers for their per mission.

Prostagtandin Abstracts Volume II contains abstracts of the significant scientific Iiterature published in 1971, 1972, and 1973 on the role of prostaglandins in human reproduction. Of the more than 4000 articles which were published between 1971 and 1973 and deal with prostaglandins, endogenous and exogenous, in mal es and females, nearly 1100 involve human reproduction. Prostagtandin Abstracts, Volume I (Plenum Publishers, 1973) contains abstracts of all articles on prostaglandins published between 1906, when the action of these compounds was first noted, and 1970, when clinical research with these compounds was weil underway. Clinical use of prostaglandins during the 1960s proved safe but provided evidence of troublesome side effects. Du ring the 1970s, the development of new analogues, various protocols for international testing, and improved routes of administration indicates that prostaglandins still hold promise as a useful drug in the management of fertility. Research into potential contraceptive and other clinical uses of prostaglandins continues to be an exciting and expanding field of fundamental and clinical research. The citations and abstracts which are included in this volume have been selected and reproduced from POPINFORM, a computerized on-line information retrieval system which includes in its data base more than 25,000 documents on regulation of fertility. Also included as an Appendix is a bibliography (without abstracts) of 1971 -1973 material on aspects of prostaglandin research that do not involve reproduction. This bibliography was prepared by the Upjohn Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan and is printed here with permission.

The original series, Advances in Prostaglandin Research, edited by Sultan M. M. Karim, was published by MTP Press in three volumes in 1975 and 1976. A glance at those books illustrates the progress that has been made since then. The thromboxanes were mentioned twice (first publication 1975) and prostacyclin not once (first publication 1976); leukotrienes were only on the horizon. The amazing generation of research data in the last 10-15 years has given new, broad insights into many areas, including asthma, inflammation, renal, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases and in reproduction, and has led in some instances to real clinical benefit. This series, Advances in Eicosanoid Research, reflects the current understanding of prostaglandins , thromboxanes and leukotrienes. The aim is to provide an introductory background to each topic and the most up-to-date information available. Although each book stands alone, the eicosanoids cut across many boundaries in their basic actions; selected chapters from each book in the series will provide illuminating and productive information for all readers which will advance their education and research. In the production of this series, I must acknowledge with pleasure my collaboration with editors and authors and the patient endeavours of Dr Michael Brewis and the staff at MTP Press. KEITH HlLUER University of Southampton England ix Preface This book is an appraisal of areas in human reproduction where eicosanoid studies (prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes) are contributing to physiological and pathological awareness and clinical advances.