[Role of oxidative processes in the realization of the adaptive mechanisms of the human placenta].

Redox reactions were studied in 217 placentas obtained after partus maturus and pathological labor (premature labor, gestoses, incompatibility by Rh antigen, uterine inertia, placentas at early therapeutic and spontaneous abortions). Several uniform alterations were observed in activities of NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, lactate-, glutamate- and malate dehydrogenases. Increase in the activity of these enzymes was accompanied by alteration in distribution of LDH isoenzymes and by elevated formation of glutamic acid; activities of transaminases, cytochrome c and cytochrome oxidase were unaltered. The alterations observed appear to be due to activation of compensatory-adaptive mechanisms of placenta.