Changes in the expression of the type-2 but not the type-1 cyclo-oxygenase enzyme in chorion-decidua with the onset of labour.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relative expression of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 in the chorion-decidual part of human fetal membranes following delivery at term and to identify any changes in expression associated with labour.


METHODS
Fetal membranes were collected from 12 term pregnancies before labour following elective caesarean section and from 12 spontaneous vaginal deliveries. Expression of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA was measured using a previously validated quantitative RT-PCR assay.


RESULTS
COX-2 expression exceeded that of COX-1 by approximately eight-fold. COX-1 expression did not change but COX-2 expression was found to increase four-fold with labour.


CONCLUSIONS
Chorion-decidua has the capacity to contribute to the increase in prostaglandin synthesis within the uterus associated with labour. As in the amnion, it is COX-2 and not COX-1 which is upregulated with labour. COX-2 selective anti-prostaglandins should therefore be as effective as nonselective drugs in inhibition of fetal membrane prostaglandin synthesis.
Slater
D
D
Imperial College School of Medicine, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Charlottes and Chelsea Hospital, London.
Allport
V
V
Bennett
P
P
D002585:Cesarean Section; D002823:Chorion / Q000201:enzymology*; D003656:Decidua / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism*; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000378:metabolism*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism
D007527:Isoenzymes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases