Elevated level of free 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α in the decidua basalis of women with preeclampsia

OBJECTIVES: The prostaglandinlike compound 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha represents an index of oxidative stress and has the ability to induce endothelial derangement, platelet activation, and vasoconstriction. In women with preeclampsia the decidual spiral arteries contain lipid deposits (acute atherosis). Analogously to the elevated level of 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha demonstrated in atherosclerotic lesions, we hypothesized that 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha level would be elevated in preeclamptic decidua basalis tissues. STUDY DESIGN: Decidua basalis tissues were obtained by vacuum aspiration and placental tissues were obtained by excision at cesarean delivery from 16 preeclamptic and 15 normal pregnancies. Total and free 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha concentrations were quantified with an enzyme immunoassay technique after lipid extraction and separation. RESULTS: The content of free 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha in preeclamptic decidual tissues was found to be significantly elevated with respect to that in control tissues. The content of total 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha did not differ significantly between the groups in either placenta or decidua basalis. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that free 8-iso-prostaglandin F-2 alpha released from the decidua basalis in preeclampsia may mediate maternal vascular dysfunction and platelet activation.