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Related Concept Videos

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Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
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The inflammatory response is the body's defense against infection, injury, or irritation from bacteria, trauma, toxins, or heat. Inflammation helps locate and destroy pathogens and remove damaged tissue elements to heal the body. During this initial phase, fluid, blood products, and nutrients migrate to the injured area, resulting in redness, heat, swelling, ache, and loss of function. Moreover, signs of systemic inflammation include fever, increased WBC count, malaise, anorexia, nausea,...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
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Published on: June 24, 2020

Inflammatory processes in preterm and term parturition.

Inge Christiaens1, Dean B Zaragoza, Larry Guilbert

  • 1Perinatal Research Centre, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Physiology, and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Inge@ualberta.ca

Journal of Reproductive Immunology
|June 14, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1beta activate the uterus for labor by stimulating prostaglandin synthesis and other factors, independent of infection. These cytokines orchestrate a cascade leading to uterine activation and delivery.

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Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Term and preterm delivery involve pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).
  • Uterine tissues undergo a transformation from quiescence to activation near term, preparing for labor and delivery.
  • This activation involves the production of molecules that trigger labor onset.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which pro-inflammatory cytokines activate the uterus for labor and delivery.
  • To understand the role of uterine activation proteins (UAPs) and downstream signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

  • The study reviews existing literature on the molecular mechanisms of uterine activation.
  • It focuses on the signaling pathways initiated by pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Main Results:

  • Pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulate uterine activation proteins (UAPs), including prostaglandin (PG) synthesis (PGF(2alpha)) and its receptor (PTGFR).
  • Cytokines also increase matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and progesterone receptor C isoform, reducing progesterone responsiveness.
  • These cytokines decrease 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, increasing intrauterine cortisol, which may further drive PG synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • Pro-inflammatory cytokines initiate a feed-forward cascade activating the uterus for labor and delivery.
  • Key mediators include prostaglandins, MMPs, VEGF, and cortisol, which collectively promote uterine contractility and delivery.
  • These mechanisms operate independently of infection, highlighting a crucial physiological pathway in parturition.