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Inflammatory mediators and parturition

R W Kelly1

  • 1Medical Research Council Reproductive Biology Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh, UK.

Reviews of Reproduction
|May 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary
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Inflammation, cytokines, and prostaglandins play key roles in cervical ripening and the onset of birth. Prostaglandin E (PGE) exhibits dual actions, potentially contributing to both pregnancy maintenance and labor initiation.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Inflammatory mechanisms are increasingly recognized for their roles in physiological reproductive processes like ovulation and parturition.
  • Agents such as cytokines and prostaglandins, known to induce parturition, also possess pro-inflammatory properties.
  • Cervical ripening and labor induction in humans can be triggered by mechanical trauma, prostaglandins, antiprogestins, and chemokines like interleukin-8 (IL-8).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence supporting the involvement of invading cells, such as neutrophils, in cervical softening and the initiation of birth.
  • To describe the regulatory pathways involving cytokines and prostaglandins in these processes.
  • To explore the complex and seemingly paradoxical role of progesterone in parturition.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Literature review of existing studies on inflammatory mechanisms in parturition.
  • Analysis of the roles of cytokines, prostaglandins, and steroids in cervical ripening and labor.
  • Examination of the dual pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory actions of Prostaglandin E (PGE).

Main Results:

  • Invading cells like neutrophils may contribute to cervical softening and birth onset.
  • Cytokines and prostaglandins are key mediators, with Prostaglandin E (PGE) showing both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Progesterone's role is complex; while peripheral levels don't drop before birth, antiprogestins can induce labor-like cervical changes.

Conclusions:

  • Inflammatory pathways, involving neutrophils, cytokines, and prostaglandins, are integral to cervical ripening and parturition.
  • Prostaglandin E (PGE) has a dual role, potentially aiding pregnancy maintenance via anti-inflammatory actions and promoting labor through pro-inflammatory synergy with chemokines.
  • Progesterone's influence is intricate, possibly mediated by progesterone-dependent prostaglandin dehydrogenase in early pregnancy, contrasting with the effects of antiprogestins in late pregnancy.