title: Tissue collagenase: serum levels during pregnancy and parturition.
abstract: Serum levels of tissue collagenase, matrix metalloproteinase-1, were measured in both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, in 332 pregnant women and 27 non-pregnant volunteers. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) used is the first described to measure collagenase in serum directly, is specific, and is rapid and reproducible. Levels were determined throughout pregnancy, during term and preterm labour, and in the post-partum period. Serum tissue collagenase levels were elevated in pregnancy (P < 0.001). There was no difference between levels of serum collagenase prior to labour at term and those observed during labour. Similarly, there was no significant difference in levels obtained during preterm labour and those at a similar gestation in women who subsequently delivered at term. No significant decrease in levels had occurred by the 4th post-partum day. In view of these findings of unaltered matrix metalloproteinase-1 levels in association with labour, previous reports of raised serum collagenase activity in association with the onset of spontaneous labour, at term and preterm gestation periods, may be due to increased neutrophil collagenase activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge Clinical School, Rosie Maternity Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Cawston
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Hackett
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D017364:Collagenases / Q000097:blood*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000097:blood*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D017364:Collagenases; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1