Adrenomedullin secretion by human fetal membranes

The localization of ir-adrenomedullin on amnion and trophoblast cells of fe tal membranes and the elevated concentrations found in amniotic fluid sugge st a local activity of adrenomedullin within these tissues. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of amnion and chorion/decidual cells to s ecrete adrenomedullin and whether its production changes with labor. Fetal membranes were collected at delivery (after spontaneous delivery or e lective ceasrean delivery) and tissues were fixed for IHC analysis, extract ed for AM measurement and cultured for Am output evaluation. Basal output o f adrenomedullin by chorion/decidua cells was greater than that by amnion c ells and both changed with labour. Our data demonstrated that both the amni on and chorion-decidua layers participate to the production of adrenomedull in by fetal membranes in humans and are responsible of the high concentrati ons detected in amniotic fluid. Adrenomedullin output by amnion and chorion /decidua cells changed in association with labour.