INTERLEUKIN-8 SYNTHESIS AND THE ONSET OF LABOR

Objective: To examine the role of cytokines in cervical dilation. Meth ods: In 55 patients undergoing cesarean delivery, we took samples from the lower uterine segment, the decidua, and the membranes. We determi ned the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8, tumor necrosis fac tor-alpha, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, and MMP-9 in the differen t tissues. Results: Depending on the state of labor, we observed a sig nificant increase (P < .001) in IL-8 concentrations in the lower uteri ne segment. The leukocyte enzymes MMP-8 and MMP-9 were highly signific antly correlated with the IL-8 concentrations. Conclusion: Interleukin -8 is critically involved in the process of parturition in humans. Int erleukin-6 concentrations in the myometrium, decidua, and membranes co rrelated strongly with the observed MMP-8 and MMP-9 concentrations.