LOCAL COLLAGEN TURNOVER IN HUMAN FETAL MEMBRANES DURING FULL-TERM VAGINAL DELIVERY

Objectives: To investigate if changes in local metabolism of collagens type I and type III may contribute to the term rupture of the foetal membranes. Study design: In extracts from membranes taken along the ru pture line and near the site of the umbilical cord attachment to the p lacenta, we measured concentrations of specific markers of collagen sy nthesis, namely C-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PICP) and N- terminal propeptide of type III collagen (PIIINP), as well as the conc entration of the pyridinoline cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide of t ype I collagen (ICTP), which reflects the rate of collagen type I brea kdown. Results: The mean concentrations of PICP and PIINP did not diff er statistically between the two examined groups of samples. The mean ICTP concentration was threefold higher in extracts prepared from samp les taken near the rupture site, than from membranes derived from the proximity of the umbilical cord attachment. Conclusions: Term rupture of foetal membranes is accompanied by increased local degradation of t ype I collagen fibrils at the rupture site, whereas the biosynthesis o f collagen types I and III remains unchanged. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scienc e Ireland Ltd.