Free radicals are formed in every living cell. They may exert cytotoxic effects at high concentrations. The aim of this study was to determine parameters of oxidative stress such as malonyldialdehyde, conjugated dienes, Schiff bases and lipid peroxides in placental tissues. The studies were performed at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University, Łódz between 1996-1997. The study groups comprised patients delivering by means of natural birth and by caesarean sections. We measured the activity of free radicals by means of the spectrophotometric method. Labor, proceeding without symptoms of intrauterine fetal distress is not connected with disturbances of free radical elimination or intensity of their production.

Keywords: Free Radicals, human placenta