Enhanced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in amnion with term and preterm labour

To evaluate the association between intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM -1) in the amnion and preterm labour and delivery, we have assessed ICAM-1 mRNA abundance by Northern analysis and protein levels by enzyme-linked imm unosorbent assay (ELISA), in samples of this tissue after term and preterm delivery. The median ICAM-1 mRNA expression following preterm delivery (PTD , n=30) was 24 times greater (P<0.05) than following elective caesarean sec tion prior to labour at term (CST, n=14). ICAM-1 expression following vagin al delivery after spontaneous labour at term (SLT, n=11) was seven times gr eater than in the CST group (P<0.05). The concentration of ICAM-1 protein i n the PTD samples (n=31) was four-fold greater than (P<0.05) in CST (n=14). It was also three-fold greater than in the SLT (n=15) samples (P<0.05). Th e results were substantially the same when a preterm spontaneous labour gro up (PTL) (n=26), exclusive of deliveries complicated by pre-eclampsia (n=1) or intrauterine growth restriction (n=3), was compared to the CST and SLT groups. The ICAM-1 mRNA expression did not differ significantly (P=0.93) be tween PTL with (n=12) or without (n=14) indicators of intrauterine infectio n. The results were similar when ICAM-1 protein concentrations were compare d (P=0.43) between these two groups. These findings indicate that ICAM-1 is expressed by the human amnion and that this expression is elevated with pr eterm labour and delivery. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.