Related Experiment Videos
Increased amniotic fluid leukotriene C4 concentration in term human parturition
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Parturition, or childbirth, is linked to increased levels of leukotriene C4 in amniotic fluid. This suggests the lipoxygenase pathway is activated during labor.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Amniotic fluid composition changes during pregnancy and labor.
- Arachidonate lipoxygenase metabolites, such as leukotriene C4, play roles in inflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if amniotic fluid concentrations of leukotriene C4 change during parturition.
- To explore the potential involvement of the lipoxygenase pathway in term labor.
Main Methods:
- Amniotic fluid samples were collected from women in labor (n=30) and not in labor (n=36).
- Leukotriene C4 concentrations were quantified using radioimmunoassay.
Main Results:
- Median amniotic fluid leukotriene C4 concentration was significantly higher in laboring women (121 pg/ml) compared to non-laboring women (73.5 pg/ml).
- Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p = 0.0008).
Conclusions:
- Elevated amniotic fluid leukotriene C4 levels during labor suggest activation of the lipoxygenase pathway.
- These findings support a role for lipoxygenase metabolites in the physiological process of term parturition.