Abstract
Administration of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors directly to the fetal sheep has been shown to cause constriction of the ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension. Since these drugs are given to pregnant women we sought to determine if the same effect occurred in the fetus with administration of such an agent to the pregnant ewe. Pregnant ewes were operated upon at 123, 124 and 135 days gestation. Catheters were placed into the fetal pulmonary (PA) and carotid arteries (CA), the superior vena cava and amniotic cavity and the maternal inferior vena cava and aorta. Starting the first postoperative day one ewe was given indomethacin 0.5 mg/kg I.V., another 1.0 mg/kg I.V., and the other 1 mg/kg PO TID for 3 to 4 days. Initially PA and CA pressures were equal however PA pressures rose to 8, 6, and 9 mmHg greater than CA pressures by 1, 2, and 4 days respectively. Fetal blood was analyzed by spectrophotofluorometry for indomethacin and was positive for indomethacin although at very low levels. Administration of indomethacin to the pregnant ewe by either intravenous or oral routes probably crosses the placenta and causes constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus. Direct vaso-constriction of the pulmonary vascular bed may also occur. This may have profound effects on the fetal systemic and pulmonary circulations which may be detrimental to the fetus and newborn. Supported by AHA Grant-In-Aid 76-878.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Levin, D., Mills, L., Parkey, M. et al. 136 ADMINISTRATION OF INDOMETHACIN TO THE PREGNANT EWE RESULTS IN CONSTRICTION OF THE FETAL DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 386 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00141
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00141
