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Platelet Activating Factor-Acetylhydrolase Activity Following Chorionic Villus Sampling and Amniocentesis

OBJECTIVE: Platelet activating factor (PAF) is essential for embryonic development and is a potent vasodilator. It increases vascular permeability and stimulates prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Platelet activating factor-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), the enzyme that degrades PAF, is synthesized by decidual macrophages. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and/or amniocentesis might cause an increase in maternal PAF- AH activity. METHODS: Maternal plasma PAF-AH activity was evaluated before and after genetic amnio centesis (N = 13) and transcervical C VS (N = 29). A control group (N = 9) was evaluated to study the effects of venipuncture. RESULTS: Chorionic villus sampling caused a significant elevation in PAF-AH activity (P < .0005). No changes were noted in PAF-AH activity in the amniocentesis or the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Chorionic villus sampling causes subclinical release of PAF-AH, possibly from the decidual macrophages. Increased PAF-AH activity might result in decreased PAF levels, which might lead to vasoconstriction in the placental circulation due to lack of the vasodilator effects of PAF and possibly PGE2. This mechanism might explain the increased risk for fetal limb reduction noted with C VS performed at very early gestational ages. (J Soc Gynecol Invest 1994 ;1 : 135-7)