Biogenetic amines in placental tissue. Relation to the contractile activity of the human uterus. Preliminary communication.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the distribution of mast cells in human placental tissue and to analyse the interactions between mast cell mediators (histamine and serotonin (5-HT)) and contractile activity of the uterus during delivery.


METHODS
34 placentas were examined. Histamine and serotonin levels in placental samples were estimated using fluorymetric method. Distribution of mast cells were analysed immunohistochemically on the same material.


METHODS
Dept. of Pathophysiology, Medical Academy, Warsaw, Poland. (*) Laboratory of Developmental Neuropathology Centre of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw. (**) Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Medical Faculty, Medical Academy, Warsaw.


METHODS
34 women, whose pregnancies ended in time and in preterm delivery, with normal, abnormal or without contractile activity of the uterus (elective cesarean section).


METHODS
Comparative charts of histamine levels in placental samples in relation to term and course of the labour.


RESULTS
Concentration of histamine in placental cuts obtained from maternal surface of the placenta was significantly higher in the case of delivery without contractile activity of the uterus (elective cesarean section). Immunohistochemical identification of mast cells proved, that in regions located close to fetal surface of the placenta and in connective tissue foci, mast cells were most numerous.


CONCLUSIONS
It is postulated that the simultaneous release of mast cell mediators (especially histamine) in placental tissue could be an important factor for evoking contractile activity of the human uterus, initiating labour. Further investigations should give answers on the points of these dependences.
Szukiewicz
D
D
I Dept. Obst./Gyn., II Faculty of Medical Academy, Warsaw, Poland.
Maslinska
D
D
Stelmachów
J
J
Wojtecka-Lukasik
E
E
D005260:Female; D006632:Histamine / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008407:Mast Cells; D010920:Placenta / Q000737:chemistry*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012701:Serotonin / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000502:physiology*
D012701:Serotonin; D006632:Histamine