Localization and quantification of adhesion molecule expression in the lower uterine segment during premature labor.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate localization and concentration of adhesion molecules in the human lower uterine segment during preterm parturition.


METHODS
In a prospective study biopsy specimens from the lower uterine segment of 43 patients undergoing cesarean section at 24 + 0 to 36 + 4 weeks' gestation were immunostained for intercellular adhesion molecule-1, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, and the concentrations measured by enzyme immunoassay. The results were analyzed in relation to the degree of cervical dilatation (< 2 cm, 2- < 4 cm, > or = 4 cm) and duration of labor (< or = 6 h, > 6-12 h; > 12 h).


RESULTS
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 were strongly expressed by capillary endothelium, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 to only a minor degree. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 concentration was greater at > or = 4 cm dilatation than at 2- < 4 cm and after > 12 h labor than after < or = 6 h. Endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 concentration was greater after > 12 h than after < or = 6 h.


CONCLUSIONS
Premature labor is associated with up-regulation of adhesion molecules in the lower uterine segment.
Fischer
D C
DC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Germany.
Winkler
M
M
Ruck
P
P
Poth
D
D
Kemp
B
B
Rath
W
W
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D002196:Capillaries; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000032:analysis*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D019040:E-Selectin / Q000032:analysis; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000032:analysis; D007747:Labor Stage, First; D016014:Linear Models; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000378:metabolism*; D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000032:analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D015854:Up-Regulation; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply / Q000737:chemistry*; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000032:analysis
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D019040:E-Selectin; D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1