Cell adhesion molecule expression in the cervix and myometrium during pregnancy and parturition

Objective: To determine the expression and localization of cell adhesion mo lecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin, platelet-en dothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM), and vascular cell adhesion molecu le (VCAM) in the cervix and myometrium during pregnancy and labor. Methods: Biopsies of myometrium and cervix were obtained from non-pregnant women and from pregnant women before and after onset of spontaneous labor a t term. Cell adhesion molecule mRNA expression was quantified using Norther n blotting and cell adhesion molecule protein was localized using immunohis tochemistry. Results: ICAM-1 mRNA was upregulated in the cervix (10-fold increase, P < . 01) and myometrium (10.5-fold increase, P < .01) during labor. ICAM-1 was l ocalized in the vascular endothelium and in leukocytes in the cervix and my ometrium from ail three groups of women. VCAM mRNA was upregulated in the c ervix (2.5-fold increase, P < .01) during pregnancy and there was no furthe r change during labor. VCAM localized weakly to the vascular endothelium in cervical and myometrial biopsies from pregnant and non-pregnant women. PEC AM mRNA was significantly upregulated in myometrium during pregnancy (ninef old increase, P < .01) and did not change with the onset of labor. PECAM lo calized to the vascular endothelium in all cervical and myometrial biopsies and was identified on leukocytes. There were no significant changes in E-s electin mRNA expression in either tissue with pregnancy or parturition. Conclusion: Cell adhesion molecule expression changes in human cervix and m yometrium during pregnancy and parturition. At least part of these changes are attributable to expression by leukocytes infiltrating these tissues. (O bstet Gynecol 2001;97:235-42. (C) 2001 by The American College of Obstetric ians and Gynecologists.).