Expression of cyclooxygenase types 1 and 2 in human fetal membranes at term
Article Abstract:
Type 2 cyclooxygenase (Cox-2), but not type 1 cyclooxygenase (Cox-1), appears to play a role in the increase in prostaglandins that occurs with the onset of labor. These enzymes are part of a metabolic pathway that makes prostaglandins. Fetal membranes were collected after 12 elective term cesarean sections and 12 spontaneous term labors and births. They were analyzed for the presence of Cox-1 and Cox-2. Their distribution was examined using radiolabeled microscope slides, and a laboratory technique measured the quantity of message RNA coding for the enzymes. Cox-2 was strongly expressed in the outer cell layer of the amnion in proximity to the amniotic fluid. Expression increased in membranes from women experiencing labor. Cox-1 was found throughout the membranes and expression was unchanged by labor. Many believe the fetus initiates labor by secreting stimulatory substances into the amniotic fluid. The localization of Cox-2 and its increase with labor suggest it plays a role in this mechanism.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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The incidence of uniparental disomy associated with intrauterine growth retardation in a cohort of thirty-five severely affected babies
Article Abstract:
A small number of fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction may be caused by the presence of two abnormal chromosomes in a cell donated by one parent. Researchers performed chromosome analysis of the placenta and infant's blood for 35 infants with unexplained intrauterine growth restriction below the fifth percentile. Two infants were found to have both members of chromosome 16 come from their mothers, and this was linked with abnormal chromosome 16 in the placenta. Other structural abnormalities of chromosomes were found in 11% of infants.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1997
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Myometrial nitric oxide synthase messenger ribonucleic acid expression does not change throughout gestation or with the onset of labor
Article Abstract:
Levels of nitric oxide do not change throughout pregnancy so it is unlikely that nitric oxide plays a role in labor. Nitric oxide relaxes many tissues, including the uterus. Researchers analyzed samples of uterine tissue from 13 women throughout their pregnancy for the presence of nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme which makes nitric oxide. Samples from 17 women before and after labor were also tested. The level of the enzyme, and thus probably nitric oxide, did not change significantly at any time.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1999
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