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This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 562/2/583    most recent jphysiol.2004.071969v1 Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Elmes, M. Articles by Wathes, D. C. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Elmes, M. Articles by Wathes, D. C.

¹ Reproduction and Development Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA
² Centre for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, University of Southampton, SO16 5YA, UK

Preterm labour is the major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in humans. The incidence is around 10% and the causes are often unknown. Consumption of dietary n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in western societies is increasing. These are metabolized to arachidonic acid, the precursor for 2-series prostaglandins (PGs), major signalling molecules during labour. This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with linoleic acid (LA, 18: 2, n-6) on parturition. Ewes were fed a control or LA-supplemented diet from 100 days gestation. Labour was induced using a standardized glucocorticoid challenge (dexamethasone, Dex) to the fetus, starting on day 139. Electromyographic (EMG) activity and fetal and maternal circulating PG concentrations were monitored. One third of LA-fed ewes delivered early (pre-Dex) although basal uterine EMG activity preceding Dex was higher in control ewes (P < 0.05). A steep increase in EMG activity occurred 18–38 h after the start of Dex infusion. Twice basal EMG activity (defined as established labour) occurred on average 7 h earlier in the LA-supplemented ewes (P < 0.05). The basal concentrations of maternal and fetal PGFM and fetal PGE₂ were approximately doubled in LA-supplemented ewes before the start of Dex infusion (P < 0.01). The rise in fetal PGE₂ and maternal oestradiol concentrations post-Dex occurred earlier in the LA-supplemented ewes. All PG measurements remained significantly higher in the LA-supplemented ewes during labour onset. This study suggests that consumption of a high LA diet in late pregnancy can enhance placental PG production and may thus increase the risk of preterm labour.

(Received 15 July 2004; accepted after revision 27 October 2004; first published online 28 October 2004)
Corresponding author DC Wathes: Reproduction and Development Group, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK. Email: dcwathes{at}rvc.ac.uk

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				D. C. Wathes, D. R. E. Abayasekara, and R. J. Aitken Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Male and Female Reproduction Biol Reprod, August 1, 2007; 77(2): 190 - 201. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]