PEDIATRICS Vol. 53 No. 5 May 1974, pp. 838-839
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Perinatal Effects of Chemical Pollutants: Suggested Studies

Frederick C. Battaglia M.D.1

1 Division of Perinatal Medicine, University of Colorado Medical Center, Denver

Research in obstetrics is developing much more rapidly than most pediatricians appreciate. The impetus comes in part from various methods to test placental function as well as to identify drugs for induction or prevention of labor.

The onset of labor at the 28th week, or in any event prematurely, is one area that ought to be studied for a possible relationship to chemical pollutants. If one looks at the onset of labor-in part triggered by the pituitary-adrenal axis of the fetus but also in part by enzyme systems related to the synthesis of prostaglandins in the uterine mucosa (which trigger uterine contractions)-one can see ways of blocking enzymes that would channel certain fatty acids to prostaglandins.

In regard to the relationship between placental growth and fetal growth, it has become clear in animals such as the sheep-where implantation sites are grossly obvious before pregnancy (40-50 in each uterine horn)-that some animals use only 20 and others use all. The animals using all sites have larger placentas and larger babies, whereas those using fewer implantation sites have smaller total trophoblasts and smaller infants at term. What determines this selection of implantation sites? The effect of pollutants could be measured as to selection of implantation sites, and on the fertility of sperm as it relates to cervical mucus. Also, one might examine the concentration of various substances in oocytes. The selective concentration of chemicals in reproductive secretions and tissues could have a marked effect upon reproduction and should be studied.

The importance of events during the second trimester of pregnancy should be emphasized.