Clinical Significance:
Prostaglandins are fatty acids derived from arachidonic acid metabolism. They are closely related to the Thromboxanes and Leukotrienes. Prostaglandin F2a is derived mainly from Prostaglandins E2 and H2, and is metabolized to Dihydroketo Prostaglandin F2a. Prostaglandin F2a is excreted directly into the urine. Prostaglandin F2a contracts the circular muscle of the gut in opposition to the Prostaglandins of the E series. Prostaglandin F2a causes accumulation of water and electrolytes in the lumen of the gut by stimulating their secretion. It also inhibits glucose absorption. Prostaglandin F2a has luteolytic actions in the corpus luteum. Elevated levels of Prostaglandin F2a have been found in the spinal fluid of children with febrile convulsions and menningitis. Elevated levels of Prostaglandin F2a have been detected in patients with the Watery Diarrhea Syndrome, neural crest tumors, pheochromocytomas, and other amine-peptide-secreting tumors. Prostaglandin F2a production and circulating levels are drastically suppressed by aspirin and indomethacin.
Reference Range:
80 – 240 pg/ml
Procedure:
Prostaglandin F2a is measured by EIA/ELISA following extraction of specimens.
Patient Preparation:
Patient should not be on aspirin, indomethacin, or anti-inflammatory medications, if possible, for at least 48 hours prior to collection of specimen.
Specimen Collection:
3 ml serum or EDTA plasma should be collected and separated as soon as possible. Freeze specimen immediately after separation. Minimum specimen size is 1 ml.
Special Specimens:
For tumor/tissue and various fluids (i.e. CSF, peritoneal, synovial, etc.) contact the Institute for requirements and special handling.
Shipping Instructions:
Ship specimens frozen in dry ice.
References:
1. JS Redfern and M Feldman. Role of Endogenous Prostaglandins in Preventing Gastrointestinal Ulceration: Induction of Ulcers by Antibodies to Prostaglandins. Gastroenterology 96: 596, 1989.
2. B Bennegard, M Hahlin, E Wennberg, and H Noren. Local Luteolytic Effect of Prostaglandin F2a in the Human Corpus Luteum. Fertility and Sterility 56: 1070-1076, 1991.