Influence of labor and oxytocin on in vitro leukotriene release by human fetal membranes and uterine decidua at term gestation.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether labor and oxytocin influence in vitro leukotriene release by human fetal membranes and uterine decidua at term gestation.


METHODS
All women (N = 21) were studied in an academic clinical research environment. They were delivered either vaginally or before labor by cesarean section. Tissues were incubated with calcium ionophore A23187 alone or with calcium ionophore A23187 after preincubation with either oxytocin, BW755c, or cycloheximide. Leukotrienes in culture medium were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Tissues obtained after vaginal delivery released significantly higher (p less than 0.05) quantities of leukotrienes LTB4, LTD4, and delta-6-trans-LTB4 than did tissues obtained during cesarean section. Leukotriene release was stimulated by oxytocin and was inhibited by both BW755c and cycloheximide.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest an activation of the arachidonate lipoxygenase pathway in these tissues during labor. Oxytocin could play a regulatory role in this process.
Pasetto
N
N
Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, II University of Rome, Italy.
Zicari
A
A
Piccione
E
E
Lenti
L
L
Pontieri
G
G
Ticconi
C
C
D015772:4,5-Dihydro-1-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-amine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000328:Adult; D000001:Calcimycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D046508:Culture Techniques; D003513:Cycloheximide / Q000494:pharmacology; D003656:Decidua / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000502:physiology*; D007975:Leukotriene B4 / Q000378:metabolism*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013189:SRS-A / Q000378:metabolism*
D013189:SRS-A; D007975:Leukotriene B4; D000001:Calcimycin; D010121:Oxytocin; D015772:4,5-Dihydro-1-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-amine; D003513:Cycloheximide