Local collagen turnover in human foetal membranes during full term vaginal delivery.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate if changes in local metabolism of collagens type I and type III may contribute to the term rupture of the foetal membranes.


METHODS
In extracts from membranes taken along the rupture line and near the site of the umbilical cord attachment to the placenta, we measured concentrations of specific markers of collagen synthesis, namely C-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PICP) and N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (PIIINP), as well as the concentration of the pyridinoline cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), which reflects the rate of collagen type I breakdown.


RESULTS
The mean concentrations of PICP and PIIINP did not differ statistically between the two examined groups of samples. The mean ICTP concentration was threefold higher in extracts prepared from samples taken near the rupture site, than from membranes derived from the proximity of the umbilical cord attachment.


CONCLUSIONS
Term rupture of foetal membranes is accompanied by increased local degradation of type I collagen fibrils at the rupture site, whereas the biosynthesis of collagen types I and III remains unchanged.
Bogusiewicz
M
M
Department of Gynaecological Surgery, University School of Medicine, Jaczewskiego, Poland.
Rechberger
T
T
Skorupski
P
P
Postawski
K
K
Jakowicki
J A
JA
D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D024042:Collagen Type I; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000378:metabolism*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000032:analysis; D010455:Peptides / Q000032:analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011347:Procollagen / Q000032:analysis
D024042:Collagen Type I; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D010455:Peptides; D011347:Procollagen; C052929:collagen type I trimeric cross-linked peptide; C041876:procollagen Type III-N-terminal peptide; C042813:procollagen type I carboxy terminal peptide; D003094:Collagen