[Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in fetal membranes of premature delivery].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in pathogenesis of premature delivery.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 women in the following categories: preterm delivery in labor with intact membranes( n = 8), the term in labor with intact membranes (n = 10), and the term not in labor (control group, n = 12). The expressions of COX-2 in different areas of the fetal membranes were examined by immunohistochemical assay.


RESULTS
The immuoreactivity of COX-2 was found in epithelial cells and stromal cells in amniotic and chorion membranes. Expression of COX-2 in different areas of the fetal membranes varied markedly in preterm delivery in labor, term in labor and the control group. Immunohistochemical scores(IH score) of COX-2 in the cervical and corpus fetal membranes in the preterm delivery in labor group were higher than those in the term in labor group and the control group(P < 0.05). There was no difference in COX-2 expression between the cervical and corpus fetal membranes among the three groups (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
COX-2 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of premature labor.
Hu
Yan
Y
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
Ding
Yi-ling
YL
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000201:enzymology*; D011247:Pregnancy
D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2