title: Localization and quantification of adhesion molecule expression in the lower uterine segment during premature labor.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Germany.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Winkler
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ruck
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Poth
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kemp
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Rath
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: 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