The effects of some methyl prostaglandin derivatives on the ductus arteriosus of swine in vivo.

Abstract Three methylated analogues of prostaglandin E 1 and E 2 were examined for their ability to open the ductus arteriosus of neonatal piglets in vivo . Fifteen (S) 15 methyl prostaglandin E 1 (15-Me PGE 1 ), 15 (S) 15 methyl prostaglandin E 2 (15-Me PGE 2 ), and 16′ 16′ dimethyl prostaglandin E 1 (16-diMe PGE 1 ) all opened de ductus when given intravenously, intramuscularly or orally. The effects on ductal patency lasted four hours or more in many instances.Side-effects included apnea with intravenous and intramuscular dosages, and with high oral dosages of 15-Me PGE 1 . A transient drop in heart rate and blood pressure occurred with each dose. In one animal the ductus was kept open for 19 days with six-hourly intramuscular injections of 3ug/kg 15-Me PGE . Transient sedation occurred with each dose. Death occurred on the 19th day and histological studies showed that the morphology of the ductus wall was similar to that seen in a two day old animal. These studies suggest that maintenance of ductal patency in the infant may be possible with oral administration of methyl prostaglandin derivatives.