title: Elevated expression of catechol-O-methyltransferase is associated with labor and increased prostaglandin E(2) production by human fetal membranes.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
authors: Hassan
authors: H
authors: Harirah
authors: Chandrasekhar
authors: C
authors: Thota
authors: Melissa J
authors: MJ
authors: Wentz
authors: Wahiduz
authors: W
authors: Zaman
authors: Ayman
authors: A
authors: Al-Hendy
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D002394:Catechol O-Methyltransferase; D015232:Dinoprostone