Abstract | OBJECTIVES: Regional structural alterations that develop before labor are important in the mechanisms of both physiologic and pathologic membrane rupture, because they are also detected in preterm prelabor rupture of the fetal membranes, the most common cause of preterm birth (as great as 60%). Matrix metalloproteinases are located in the fetal membranes and are the main mediators of extracellular matrix degradation. The objective of this study was to examine whether gelatinases ( matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9) could be involved in the development of these regional structural changes seen at term before labor. STUDY DESIGN: Fetal membranes from patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery were regionally sampled from over the cervix (cervical membranes) and midway between this area and the placental edge (midzone). Fetal membranes obtained after spontaneous labor and delivery at term were also regionally sampled. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 activities were assessed by gelatin zymography, whereas total matrix metalloproteinase 9 protein was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a specific regional induction of pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 occurs in the cervical area before labor and may play a role in "programming" this area for subsequent rupture after activation during labor.
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Authors | J McLaren, D J Taylor, S C Bell |
Journal | American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
(Am J Obstet Gynecol)
Vol. 182
Issue 2
Pg. 409-16
(Feb 2000)
ISSN: 0002-9378 [Print] United States |
PMID | 10694345
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
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Topics |
- Amnion
(physiology)
- Cervix Uteri
(physiology)
- Cesarean Section
- Electrophoresis
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Extraembryonic Membranes
(enzymology, physiology)
- Female
- Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture
(etiology)
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
(analysis, physiology)
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
(analysis, physiology)
- Placenta
(physiology)
- Pregnancy
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