Cav. Vanmeir et al., CHORIONIC PROSTAGLANDIN CATABOLISM IS DECREASED IN THE LOWER UTERINE SEGMENT WITH TERM LABOR, Placenta, 18(2-3), 1997, pp. 109-114
We have examined the hypothesis that regional differences in 15-hydrox
yprostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH) activities occur within the human
fetal membranes. Further, we reasoned that a specific reduction in PGD
H in the fetal membranes at the lower uterine segment might occur with
labour, providing a potential mechanism for local generation of prima
ry prostaglandins (PG) that could contribute to cervical ripening. Ful
l-thickness membranes were obtained from patients at caesarean section
in the presence or absence of labour. Membranes were sampled from thr
ee regions: close to the site of placental attachment, in the region o
f the internal cervical os, and from a 'middle' area between these two
. PGDH activities (sum of PGF(2 alpha) to 15-keto PGF(2 alpha) and 13,
14-dihydro 15-keto PGF(2 alpha) conversion) and immunoreactivity vari
ed appreciably between the three regions. PGDH activity was highest in
chorion in the cervical region of patients not in labour, but was sig
nificantly lower in the chorion from membranes taken closest to the in
ternal os of patients in labour. Loss of PGDH activity was not attribu
table to a diminution in the number of trophoblast cells in this area.
We conclude that regional loss of PGDH in the fetal membranes (chorio
n) at the lower uterine segment occurs with labour. Reduced PG catabol
ism could facilitate local generation of bioactive PG at this site for
cervical effacement. (C) 1997 W. B. Saunders Company Ltd.