| Abstract: | The authors determined total and specific activity (Ca2+, Mg2+) ATPase in homogenates of uterus muscle, placenta, amnion and chorion. The material was also studied for the levels of ATP, ADP and AMP in order to evaluate the energetic potential. The research was carried out in two groups: among 23 pregnant women who underwent Cesarean section not accompanied by labour pains and among 30 women in labour in whom labour pains lasted up to six hours and then labour was completed by Cesarean section. It was found that in advanced pregnancy the highest enzyme activity is in chorion homogenates. Labour pains result in decrease in enzyme activity in the material studied; the highest significant decrease observed in chorion. It was also found that labour pains do not result in greater changes in energetic potential of tissues except for chorion and amnion. The results obtained point to particular participation of chorion in the process of active transportation of calcium ions in pregnancy and delivery. The consequence of change in enzyme activity will be changes in the level of Ca2+ ions, which will result in the activation or inhibition of various metabolic tracts on cellular level, including hormonal changes. |
