SECRETION OF INFECTION-ASSOCIATED CYTOKIN ES AND PROSTAGLANDINS BY FETAL TROPHOBLAST CELLS INDUCES TERM LABOR AND PARTURITION

Objective: Induce infection-associated cytokines intrauterine secretio n of prostaglandins and term labor? Methods: Concentrations of Il-6, I l-1 beta, TNF-alpha, PGE(2) and PGF(2 alpha) were determined in cervic al secretions and amniotic fluid during spontaneous term labor. The su pernatant of amnion-, chorion-, decidua- and trophoblast cells, cultur ed after elective cesarean section or spontaneous delivery, was analys ed for cytokine- and prostaglandin activity. Results: Term labor alway s is associated with intrauterine cytokine- and prostaglandin release. Increased production of cytokines and prostaglandins in case of norma l term labor only was found by fetal trophoblast cells. Conclusions: S ignal for parturition is of trophoblast and therefore of fetal origin.