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Related Experiment Videos

Oestrogen modulation with parturition in the human placenta

K K Leslie1, D J Zuckerman, J Schruefer

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262.

Placenta
|January 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Placental oestrogen levels and aromatase activity are high before labour, decreasing significantly once labour begins. Oestradiol levels rise with labour, suggesting a shift in oestrogen function during term pregnancy.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Oestrogens play a crucial role in pregnancy maintenance and initiation of labour.
  • Placental steroidogenesis is a complex process influenced by gestational age and labour onset.
  • Understanding oestrogen synthesis and metabolism in the placenta is key to comprehending pregnancy progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate placental steroid levels and steroidogenic enzyme activities in relation to gestational age.
  • To compare placental oestrogen synthesis and metabolism before and after the onset of labour in term pregnancies.

Main Methods:

  • Collection of placental tissues from term, preterm, and post-term pregnancies.
  • Measurement of placental cytosolic steroid hormones (oestradiol, oestrone, progesterone, delta-4-androstenedione) using radioimmunoassay.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assay of placental microsomal steroidogenic enzyme activities, including aromatase, sulphatase, and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase.

    • Main Results:

    • Placental steroid levels and key enzyme activities did not vary significantly with gestational age.
    • In term pregnancies, placental oestrone levels and aromatase activity were significantly higher before labour onset compared to after.
    • The oestradiol to progesterone ratio increased significantly after the onset of labour.

    Conclusions:

    • Placental oestrogen production, particularly oestrone via aromatase, is high prior to labour and declines significantly with labour onset.
    • The shift towards higher oestradiol levels and increased oestradiol/progesterone ratio after labour suggests a change in oestrogen's role.
    • Oestrone may serve as a protective, less oxytocic oestrogen pool in the term uterus before labour.