Effects of prostaglandin E2 on renal function and lung liquid dynamics in foetal sheep

Abstract

1. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of prolonged prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) administration on the function of the foetal kidneys and lungs in order to gain a greater understanding of the role played by PGE2 in the control of foetal fluid balance. By studying the effects of PGE2 at two gestational ages, we have also been able to examine the influence of age. 2. We studied the effects of 26 h PGE2 infusion on foetal sheep at a mean (±SEM) of 120.0±0.6 (n = 6) and 139.0±0.8 (n = 4) days of gestation. In both groups, foetal urine production was significantly inhibited throughout the infusion period (P<0.05). In younger, but not older foetuses, urine production returned to c..