Elevated expression of catechol-O-methyltransferase is associated with labor and increased prostaglandin E(2) production by human fetal membranes.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression and function of catechol-O-methyltransferase in human fetal membranes at term.


METHODS
Fetal membranes obtained from women between 38-42 weeks of gestation, after (1) vaginal delivery with spontaneous labor and (2) prelabor elective cesarean section (no labor), were assayed for catechol-O-methyltransferase expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. Prostaglandin E(2) secretion from amnion and choriodecidua explants treated with or without catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis.


RESULTS
Amnion layer of fetal membranes from laboring women expressed significantly higher levels of catechol-O-methyltransferase, compared with those from women with no labor. Catechol-O-methyltransferase was higher in the amnion layer than in choriodecidua. Selective catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition significantly decreased prostaglandin E(2) production from fetal membranes.


CONCLUSIONS
Labor increases catechol-O-methyltransferase expression in the amnion of human fetal membranes. Selective catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition decreased prostaglandin E(2) secretion in fetal explant cultures, suggesting a role for catechol-O-methyltransferase in human labor and delivery.
Harirah
Hassan
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
Thota
Chandrasekhar
C
Wentz
Melissa J
MJ
Zaman
Wahiduz
W
Al-Hendy
Ayman
A
D002394:Catechol O-Methyltransferase / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy
D002394:Catechol O-Methyltransferase; D015232:Dinoprostone