Interleukin-8 synthesis and the onset of labor.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the role of cytokines in cervical dilation.


METHODS
In 55 patients undergoing cesarean delivery, we took samples from the lower uterine segment, the decidua, and the membranes. We determined the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, and MMP-9 in the different tissues.


RESULTS
Depending on the state of labor, we observed a significant increase (P < .001) in IL-8 concentrations in the lower uterine segment. The leukocyte enzymes MMP-8 and MMP-9 were highly significantly correlated with the IL-8 concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
Interleukin-8 is critically involved in the process of parturition in humans. Interleukin-8 concentrations in the myometrium, decidua, and membranes correlated strongly with the observed MMP-8 and MMP-9 concentrations.
Osmers
R G
RG
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Göttingen, Germany.
Bläser
J
J
Kuhn
W
W
Tschesche
H
H
D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D017364:Collagenases / Q000378:metabolism*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology*; D003656:Decidua / Q000378:metabolism; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007745:Labor Onset / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; D009215:Myometrium / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy
D016207:Cytokines; D016209:Interleukin-8; D017364:Collagenases; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9