title: Significance of mast cell distribution in placental tissue and membranes in spontaneous preterm birth.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Preterm birth is a common cause of adverse neonatal and childhood outcomes, in both the short and long term. Preterm labor is commonly associated with inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface. There is some indirect evidence that mast cells (MCs) might represent a link between hormonal influences and local reactions leading to the onset of labor.
  
  
  METHODS
  The placentas and membranes of 51 uncomplicated spontaneous term births were compared to those from 50 spontaneous preterm births. Immunohistochemical staining for MC tryptase was undertaken allowing MC concentration, location, and degranulation status to be determined. Regression modeling was used to compare results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics of the two cohorts. There were significantly more MCs in the decidua for term births than preterm births (P=0.03). The presence of histological chorioamnionitis did not affect MC concentrations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite evidence suggesting a possible role for MCs in spontaneous preterm birth, this study found that the concentration of decidual MCs was in fact significantly lower in preterm compared to term birth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Needham
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomical Pathology, ACT Pathology, Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia; ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
authors.forename: Mitali
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fadia
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomical Pathology, ACT Pathology, Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia; ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
authors.forename: Jane E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Dahlstrom
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomical Pathology, ACT Pathology, Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia; ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
authors.forename: Kirsti
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Harrington
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia.
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Shadbolt
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT, Australia; ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia; John James Medical Centre, Deakin, ACT, Australia.
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Robson
keywords: cohort study; inflammation; mast cells; preterm birth; regression modeling