Altered IGF-I receptor expression in chorioamniotic cells in premature rupture of fetal membranes.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the presence and distribution of type I insulinlike growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) in the cells of the chorioamniotic membrane and to search for any alterations occurring in IGF-IR expression in premature rupture of membranes (PROM) patients.


METHODS
Fetal membranes collected at delivery from 42 pregnancies between 36 and 40 gestational weeks were included in the study. Seventeen of 42 cases had premature rupture of membranes, and 25 cases had intact membranes prior to delivery. Paraffin sections of thefetal membranes were stained with IGF-IR antibody by the streptavidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase method. The staining was scored and compared statistically between PROM and control cases.


RESULTS
The fetal membranes of PROM cases had significantly reduced IGF-IR expression in chorionic trophoblastic cells when compared with the control group (P = .006, X2).


CONCLUSIONS
Our immunohistochemical findings revealed that chanlges in IGF-IR levels in choriolzic amniotic cells may play a pathogenetic role in PROM cases, but the mechanism is speculative and needs further investigation.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. sagol@med.ege.edu.tr
Sermet
S
Sağol
Ozgül
O
Sağol
Cağnur
C
Ulukuş
D000328:Adult; D002823:Chorion / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1 / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D017526:Receptor, IGF Type 1