Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “AMNION”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,387 records · Page 77Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Parathyroid hormone-related protein in human term placenta and membranes.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), the hypercalcaemia of malignancy factor, is expressed in the tissues of the human uteroplacental unit, including the placenta, amnion and chorion. We have used three region-specific immunoassays to quantitate and compare the distribution of PTHrP in tissues obtained at term following spontaneous labour and vaginal delivery or elective Caesarean section. In non-labouring women highest PTHrP(1-86) and (37-67) immunoreactivity was found in amnion covering the placenta, rather than the decidua parietalis of the uterus (reflected amnion) (median 1020 vs 451 fmol/g; 2181 vs 1444 fmol/g respectively). In labouring women, the PTHrP(1-86) concentration in reflected amnion was inversely correlated with the interval between rupture of the membranes and delivery. Tissue PTHrP(1-86) concentrations were lower in placenta than in chorion and amnion (medians 12, 109 and 664 fmol/g respectively) and, in all tissues, PTHrP(1-34) and (37-67) concentrations were significantly higher than that of PTHrP(1-86). Bioactive PTHrP(1-34) was detected in placenta, chorion and amnion using the ROS cell bioassay. The PTHrP(1-86) concentration (mean +/- S.E.M. = 41.4 +/- 4.5 pmol/l) was high in amniotic fluid at term, although in maternal and cord plasma levels were only modestly increased. The molecular forms of PTHrP present in tissues and amniotic fluid were investigated by column chromatography which confirmed its molecular heterogeneity and suggested that processing is tissue-specific and occurs at both amino- and carboxy-terminals of the peptide.

Amnion↗
PubMed1982

Release of inactive renin from human fetal membranes and isolated trophoblasts.

Human chorio-amnion from term pregnancy was perfused in vitro in a dual perfusion apparatus. Renin released from the fetal membranes was almost entirely in the form of inactive renin (IR) (trypsin-activated). IR was released from both the chorion side and the amnion side. IR introduced on the chorion side of the chorio-amnion did not appear on the amnion side. When cells isolated from term amnion and chorion were grown in tissue culture, IR was released continuously from chorionic cells but not from amnionic cells. The release of IR did not parallel the release of LDH from cultured chorion cells. Exposure to low calcium medium (with or without EGTA) decreased IR release while LDH release increased (or remained constant). Exposure to the calcium ionophore (A 23187) resulted in a marked decrease in IR release. The release of IR from chorionic cells shows some similarities to the release of HCG from trophoblasts. It is expected that IR release from the chorion will show some similarities to R release from the kidney as well as major differences. The function, regulation, and processing of chorionic IR remain to be elucidated.

Amnion↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Subamnionic vernix caseosa.

Vernix caseosa occasionally dissects underneath the amnion, presumably following rupture of the amnion prior to rupture of the chorion laeve. We describe the clinicopathological features of 18 cases in which large quantities of vernix caseosa were present beneath the amnion of the parietal membranes or the chorionic plate. The subamnionic vernix caseosa was an unexpected microscopic finding in each case and was not associated with any inflammation, giant cell reaction, or other chronic change in the adjacent membranes. The gestational age ranged from 29 to 42 weeks (mean, 37). Five (28%) of the 18 were twin pregnancies. Five (28%) were delivered by cesarean section. In no case was there a history of amniocentesis, prolonged rupture of membranes, or amnionic fluid leakage. None of the mothers had signs of amnionic fluid embolism. The absence of tissue response around the vernix caseosa suggests rupture of the amnion close to the time of delivery.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Amniotic membrane graft in ocular surface disease. Prospective study with 31 cases].

INTRODUCTION: Amniotic membrane's unique combination of properties including the facilitation of migration of epithelial cells, the reinforcement of basal cellular adhesion and the encouragement of epithelial differentiation [6] together with its ability to modulate stromal scarring and its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activity has led to its use in the treatment of ocular surface pathology as well as an adjunct to stem cell grafts of the corneal limbus [6-4]. We report a prospective study of 30 patients so treated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 31 eyes of 30 patients subjected to amniotic membrane grafts between September 1999 and May 2000. There were 25 men and 5 women with an average age of 60.1 (range 25-86) years who were followed for a mean of 7.7 (range 4-11) months. 5 groups (A to D) were observed: A: 6 eyes. Small chronic ulcers without limbal involvement. B: 4 eyes. Ulcers of at least 75% corneal area or occupying 75% of the limbus. C: 9 eyes. Corneal burns. D: 8 eyes. Painful bullous corneal dystrophies unresponsive to other treatment. E: 4 eyes. Symblepharons. Amniotic membrane was placed on the corneal lesion, epithelial surface externally [6, 15], trimmed and sutured with interrupted 10/0 nylon, removed at one month. In two patients (11, 12) inflamed conjunctiva was recessed and amnion sutured to the recessed margin. For the bullous dystrophies we removed all the corneal epithelium and either sutured the amnion to peri-limbal conjunctiva (4 eyes) or to the limbus (4 eyes). For the symblepharons the conjunctiva was dissected to reform the fornix which was lined with amniotic membrane, sutured with 8/0 vicryl. Patients were reviewed regularity. RESULTS: Group A: All healed within 15 days, in most with dissolution of the amnion over 2-3 months although some persisted, covered with corneal epithelium. An eye with a Descemetocoele and one with a microperforation both healed. Vision improved more than two lines in 4 of 6 eyes. Group B: 2 of 4 eyes healed, one despite detachment of the membrane after 15 days. One eye was salvaged by tarsorrhaphy over a fresh keratoplasty after perforation of a neuroparalytic ulcer on failure of three successive amnion grafts. The final cornea vascularised despite an amnion graft for a meta-herpetic ulcer. Group C: 2 of 9 eyes had limbal damage in one quadrant but 7 had vessels in at least three-quarters of the circumference. One (15) also had a limbal autograft. 3 of 9 eyes healed satisfactorily with more than 2/10 improvement in acuity in each case. 2 showed further neovascularisation despite surface healing. One old chemical burn healed satisfactorily but vascularisation remained 5 eyes failed to heal with lysis of the graft, the patient who had a limbal autograft developed a vascular pannus, and in 4 eyes neovascularisation progressed to cover the entire cornea. Group D: 3 eyes settled with loss of symptoms but in 5 the graft detached within 15 days. All eyes where the membrane had been sutured to the conjunctiva beyond the limbus failed whilst 3 of 4 in which it had been sutured anterior to the limbus succeeded, leaving a persistent whitish membrane under the epithelium. Group E: We were able to reconstruct the cul de sac in 3 out of 4 eyes. In one patient with recurrent pterygium good ocular movement was restored, previously limited by scarring. One with associated ocular surface damage from a thermal burn failed by scarring of the cul de sac a month after surgery. DISCUSSION: Our best results were in persistent trophic ulcers of the cornea (Groups A and B) with a success rate of 80%, comparable to those of others [49, 37, 38]. The ready availability of amniotic membrane in our facility makes amniotic membrane transplantation the main secondary treatment for such lesions, especially because of the visual improvement we obtained. Because we did not observe any improvement in corneal thickness after this treatment we advise its early use before significant stromal lysis. The technique was not sufficient to control the effect of corneal anaesthesia in two eyes [40] or in chemical burns suggesting that amniotic membrane alone is insufficient to promote corneal healing in the absence of limbal stem cells. Nevertheless, three eyes did benefit. It has been suggested [13] that the anti-apoptotic function of amnion may prevent stem cell loss in such eyes [42], thus it appears logical to offer an amniotic membrane graft first, before stem cell transplantation, which may entrain complications in the donor eye if autografted [43] or because of the rejection risk of an allograft. It may be that an amniotic membrane graft simply becomes a holding procedure allowing time to settle the eye so as to allow secondary procedures to address the underlying cause of further damage. Our treatment of bullous dystrophy only succeeded on confining the graft to within the limbus, 3 out of 4 eyes becoming comfortable. By contrast we found amniotic membrane helpful in reconstructing symblepharons in the absence of local inflammation. CONCLUSION: Amniotic membrane grafting is a simple and straightforward surgical technique which should form part of the therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of ocular surface disease. Indications for the technique need further clarification for it is evident that it cannot correct all secondary pathology associated with limbal destruction. It is certainly preferable to conjunctival advancement and has proved useful in the reconstruction of the cul-de-sac.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[A clinical study of amniotic membrane transplantation for severe eye burns at the acute stage].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility of ocular surface reconstruction with amniotic membrane in the acute stage of burn injury, to compare the results using fresh and preserved amniotic membranes and to evaluate the surgical methods and their effects. METHODS: Consecutive patients of whole corneal burn above degree III with complete destruction of the limbus were divided into two groups to receive amniotic membrane transplantation (8 eyes of 8 patients with fresh amnion, 12 eyes of 11 patients with preserved one) or lamellar keratoplasty (24 eyes of 22 patients). The follow-up period was 12 to 26 months with an average of (15 +/- 2) months. RESULTS: The ocular surface became stabilized after the transplantation of amniotic membrane. In eyes treated with fresh amniotic membrane, the corneal surface was epithelized immediately. In eyes treated with preserved amniotic membrane, the corneal surface was epithelized only after 2 - 3 weeks. Lamellar keratoplasty was performed in 3 of 12 eyes with preserved amnion transplantation because the amnion was dissolved due to persistent epithelial defects. Amnions were absorbed with time and superficial neovascularization followed in the corneal surfaces. Seven of eight transplanted fresh amnions were absorbed within 2 to 8 months [mean time (4.3 +/- 0.8) months], and 10 of 12 preserved amnions were absorbed within 1 to 3 months [mean time (2.0 +/- 0.3) months]. The difference was statistically significant (t = 4.22, P < 0.01). The conjunctival surface was successfully reconstructed with amniotic membrane at the acute stage of burn injury. Moderate symblepharon occurred in one case only. Corneal dissolution never occurred in all patients who received lamellar keratoplasty, but recurrent erosion of corneal epithelium occurred in the grafts and corneal neovasularization developed eventually. Corneal graft had to be performed again on four eyes and symblapharonplasty had to be performed on seven eyes. Mild to medium symblepharon was observed in 5 of 24 eyes received lamellar keratoplasty. Visual acuity could be maintained at hand movement in eyes treated with amniotic membrane transplantation without secondary glaucoma and cataract. Visual acuity was figure counting in most cases with lamellar keratoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane transplantation (especially using a fresh membrane) can effectively reduce the inflammation of the cornea at the acute stage of burn injury, can prevent corneal ulcer and perforation and can make the stabilization process faster. It can also decrease corneal neovascularization as well as establish better conditions for successful keratoplasty.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

15-Deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) and troglitazone regulation of the release of phospholipid metabolites, inflammatory cytokines and proteases from human gestational tissues.

Phospholipid-derived mediators, inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix remodelling enzymes are all involved in the initiation of human labour and delivery. We have previously demonstrated that natural and synthetic PPAR-gamma ligands regulate LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine release from human gestational tissues, however, the effect of these ligands on the basal and/or LPS-induced expression of prostaglandins and proteases is not known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of 15d-PGJ(2) and troglitazone on the expression of basal and LPS-stimulated inflammatory mediators in human gestational tissues. Human placenta, amnion and choriodecidua (n=5) were incubated in the presence or absence of 15 microM 15d-PGJ(2) and 30 microM troglitazone under basal and LPS-stimulated (10 microg/ml) conditions. Treatment of placenta, amnion and choriodecidua with both 15d-PGJ(2) and troglitazone decreased basal and LPS-stimulated IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha release. Basal type II PLA(2) release from placental tissues was also significantly decreased by 15d-PGJ(2) and troglitazone. There was no effects of 15d-PGJ(2) and troglitazone on cPLA(2) protein expression. Both 15d-PGJ(2) and troglitazone significantly decreased basal and LPS-stimulated PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) release from placenta and amnion. However, in choriodecidua, although 15d-PGJ(2) decreased basal and/or LPS-stimulated PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) release, there was an increase in PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) release in the presence of troglitazone. 15d-PGJ(2) and troglitazone inhibited MMP-9 release from human amnion. NF-kappaB DNA binding activity and NF-kappaB p65 protein expression was inhibited by treatment with 15d-PGJ(2) in human amnion. There was no effect of 15d-PGJ(2) or troglitazone on PPAR-gamma protein, and GW9662 failed to alleviate 15d-PGJ(2) and troglitazone inhibition of IL-6 and TNF-alpha release in placenta, amnion and choriodecidua. The data demonstrated in this study suggest that the 15d-PGJ(2) and troglitazone exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in human gestational tissues via PPAR-gamma independent actions.

Anilides↗
PubMed1998

Intrauterine expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.

Maternal hypertension, vasoconstriction and placental insufficiency are features of pre-eclampsia. Alterations in calcium homeostasis and in the production of calciotropic hormones and vasoactive agents have also been described in association with pre-eclampsia. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is abundantly expressed in intrauterine tissues during normal pregnancy and has roles in fetal growth and calcium homeostasis, placental calcium transport and vascular tone regulation. Intrauterine PTHrP mRNA expression and tissue PTHrP content were determined by Northern blot analysis and radio-immunoassay, respectively, in preterm and term pre-eclamptic women. PTHrP mRNA expression and PTHrP content in placenta, amnion over placenta, reflected amnion and choriodecidua from preterm pre-eclamptic women (n=8-10) were not different from preterm controls (n= 10-12). PTHrP mRNA expression and content in amnion over placenta and reflected amnion were significantly greater in term compared to preterm pre-eclamptics (P<0.05). PTHrP mRNA expression was significantly lower in choriodecidua from term pre-eclamptic women (n=8) compared to term controls (n=28, P<0.05), but was not different in placenta or amnion. PTHrP content was not altered in term pre-eclamptic women (n=8) compared to controls (n=25) for any tissue. In summary, PTHrP expression in placenta and amnion was not increased in pre-eclamptic women in association with maternal hypertension, placental insufficiency and vasoconstriction. PTHrP mRNA expression was decreased in choriodecidua in association with term but not preterm pre-eclampsia, however, levels of the protein were not decreased. The data suggest that PTHrP is not involved in the placental pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia in late gestation.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Proteins IEF (isoelectric focusing) 31 and IEF 46 are keratin-type components of the intermediate-sized filaments: keratins of various human cultured epithelial cells.

Mouse polyclonal antibodies have been raised against two human proteins (IEF [isoelectric focusing] 31, Mr = 50,000; IEF 46, Mr = 43,500) that have previously been shown to be present in HeLa cytoskeletons enriched in intermediate-sized filaments. Immunoprecipitation studies show that both proteins share common antigenic determinants with each other and with the putative human keratins IEF 36 and 44, also present in HeLa cytoskeletons. Indirect immunofluorescence studies showed that both antibodies revealed similar filamentous networks in various cultured epithelial cells of human origin. These included AMA (transformed amnion), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), normal amnion cells, Fl-amnion (transformed amnion), WISH-amnion (transformed amnion), Chang liver (liver), and Detroid-98 (sternal marrow). Human cells that did not react with both antibodies included skin fibroblasts, lung fibroblasts (WI-38), SV40-transformed lung fibroblasts, Molt 4 (leukemia), lymphocytes, and monocytes. These results were in complete agreement with the presence or absence of both proteins in two-dimensional gels of the different cell types. Exposure of AMA cells to demecolcine (24 h; 10 micrograms/ml) caused the total collapse of vimentin filaments but, as seen by indirect immunofluorescence, caused only a partial redistribution of the IEF 31 and 46 filaments. These results are taken to suggest that both proteins are components of the intermediate-sized filaments of the "keratin" type. The antibodies could be clearly differentiated by staining human bladder carcinoma EJ 19 cells, as only the IEF 46 antibody stained a filamentous network in these cells The occurrence of keratins IEF 31, 36, 44, and 46 in different cultured human epithelial cells has been studied using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Antibody Specificity↗
PubMed1976

Use of a transfection method to demonstrate a monolayer cell transforming agent from the EB3 line of Burkitt's lymphoma cells.

Primary human amnion cell monolayers which had been treated with DEAE-dextran, washed, and then inoculated with sonicated cells of the EB3 line of Burkitt's lymphoma cells developed foci of transformed amnion cells 7 to 14 days later. When either the DEAE-dextran or the sonicate was omitted, no significant transformation was found. The foci consisted of enlarging mounds of rapidly dividing cells, which upon subculturing continued their high miotic activity; and strains or lines of the transformed amnion cells were thus readily established. The modal number of chromosomes in such lines was 65 instead of the normal 46. Not all human amnions yielded cells transformable by EB3 cell sonicate, as determined by direct comparisions using the same cultural conditions and testing with the same fresh sonicate preparation in the same experiment. Overall, it appeared that only about 40 to 50% of the amnions yielded transformable cell monolayers; the rest gave monolayers apprently completely refractory to the transformation. The transformed amnion cells contained nuclear and cytoplasmic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigen(s), as revealed by indirect immunofluorescence tests. EB3 cell sonicate also caused the appearance of rapidly growing transformed cell foci on secondary rat embryo cell monolayers which had been sensitized with DEAE-dextran. Calcium in the cell maintenance medium decreased the number of transformed foci found, both on the human and on the rat cell monlayers. Sonicates of cultured normal human leucocytes had no such transforming activity for either the human or the rat cells. The transforming agent in EB3 cell sonicate was completely destructible by either deoxyribonuclease or trypsin, but not by ribonuclease, and was not neutralizable by anti-EBV serum. The simplest interpretation of these results is that the transforming agent is part of all of the EBV DNA plus some necessary protein, with both the DNA and the protein accessible to hydrolytic enzyme action.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The possible use of amniotic membrane in chronic leg ulcers.

UNLABELLED: A trial of living amniotic membrane is suggested as a suitable dressing for certain indolent ulcers. The type of ulcer which is large and chronic both in rate of healing as well as time since onset is well known to everyone. After eliminating any venous defect, oedema, cellulitis, correction of stiff joints, anaemia, we are left with a local indolent problem. What is the ideal dressing? Comfortable or relieves pain; harmless to the tissues and encourages removal of slough; encourages vascularity of the granulation tissue. Method of application: Amnion is applied for five days prior to skin grafting. RESULTS: Better results in those ulcers which have a venous origin rather than arterial. In most cases a clean delicate layer of granulation tissue forms. Histopathology: biopsy of the ulcer base: before application of amnion - dense fibrous tissue, few thick-walled vessels; after application of amnion - more delicate connective tissue, numerous vessels, with thinner walls. The formation of an amnion bank: To facilitate the availability of living amnion. To investigate the possibility of an extract of amnion which would produce the same results as the membrane itself.

Bandages↗
PubMed1980

In vitro conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone by term human fetal membranes.

The conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone by homogenates of term human fetal membranes (38 to 40 weeks' gestation) was quantitated prior to and after labor. Chorion pars reflexa obtained after spontaneous labor by vaginal delivery was more active than that obtained prior to labor by elective cesarean section (p less than 0.05). With homogenates of amnion pars reflexa (n = 18), and pars placentaris (n = 18) obtained prior to labor no conversion or pregnenolone to progesterone was detected. In contrast, in amnion pars reflexa obtained after labor the reaction was detected in five of the 13 tissues examined and was significantly different from tissues obtained prior to labor (p less than 0.01). However, the conversion by the amnion pars placentaris after labor was not significantly different from that to labor. Evidence for inhibition of the reaction in the amnion pars reflexa and pars placentaris obtained prior to labor was found when prolonged washing of these tissues (up to 5 hours) with isotonic KCl resulted in the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone being easily detected. This study suggests that there may be "activation" of the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone in fetal membranes during labor and indicates that considerable care should be taken in studying this and perhaps other reactions in fetal membranes as the mode of delivery, the preparation of tissue, and, in the case of the amnion, the area studied can affect the results obtained.

Amnion↗
PubMed1985

Collagen types in normal and prematurely ruptured amniotic membranes.

Collagen content in preterm amnions with premature rupture of the membranes was significantly lower than that of preterm amnions without premature rupture of the membranes. Collagen types were studied through sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in human amnions from pregnant women with or without premature rupture of the membranes. Collagen types I, III, and V were recognized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in all samples. In samples taken from preterm patients with premature rupture of the membranes, the ratios of III/I, III/V, and III/total collagen were significantly lower than those from ones without premature rupture of the membranes. The ratios of I/V, I/total collagen, and V/total collagen showed no change in gestations with and without premature rupture of the membranes, respectively. In term samples there was no significant difference in the ratios of all collagen types between those with and those without premature rupture of the membranes. Elastins were not demonstrable in amnion with and without premature rupture of the membranes. These studies suggest that the reduction of type III collagen content in amnion is related to the cause of premature rupture of the membranes, particularly in preterm samples.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Metabolism of platelet-activating factor (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) in human fetal membranes and decidua vera.

We have previously reported that platelet-activating factor (PAF) is present in human amniotic fluid obtained from women in labor. We have also demonstrated that PAF, lyso-PAF, and alkyl acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (AA-GPC) are present in human amnion tissue. In the reported study, we have investigated the enzymes involved in PAF metabolism in amnion tissue and their regulation. A phospholipase A2 activity has been demonstrated in amnion tissue which cleaves alkyl acyl (long-chain) sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. The enzyme activity is not altered by Ca2+ and is distinctly different from the phospholipase A2 that we have previously characterized in this tissue. Amnion tissue contains acetyltransferase activity which requires Ca2+ and is associated with the microsomal fraction. Acetylhydrolase is also present in the cytosolic fraction of amnion tissue. Acetylhydrolase activity has also been demonstrated in amniotic fluid. The affinities of acetyltransferase (for lyso-PAF) and acetylhydrolase (for PAF) were unaffected by Ca2+. In the presence of Ca2+, however, the specific activity of acetyltransferase was increased four- to fivefold while that of acetylhydrolase was unaffected. Acetyltransferase and acetylhydrolase activities in fetal membranes and decidua were similar and were unchanged with gestational age. The possible role of PAF in the initiation of human parturition is discussed.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗
PubMed1976

Phospholipase A activity in human and ovine uterine tissues.

Phospholipase A was assayed in crude lysosomal fractions of human decidua, amnion, chorion and myometrium. Activity was present in all the tissues and was highest in decidua and amnion which contained enzymes with pH optima of 6.5-8.0 and 7.2 respectively. Comparison of the activities in tissues obtained before labor with others obtained during labor showed no differences. In sheep, the fetal membranes contained a greater activity of phospholipase A than placenta and myometrium. Stimulation of the fetal adrenals with corticotrophin caused a marked increase in activity in both amnion and chorioallantois. It is concluded that the human amnion and the ovine amnion and chorioallantois could participate in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by releasing stored arachidonic acid.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1992

The natural interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in term and preterm parturition.

OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-1 has been implicated in the mechanisms responsible for preterm labor in the setting of infection. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is a new member of the interleukin-1 gene family that inhibits the biologic effects of interleukin-1 by blocking its receptors. Reduction of interleukin-1-induced prostaglandin production by intrauterine tissues may have potential value in the treatment of preterm labor associated with infection. The purpose of these studies was (1) to determine interleukin-1 receptor antagonist levels in the amniotic fluid of women with term and preterm labor (with and without infection) and (2) to study the effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on interleukin-1-induced prostaglandin biosynthesis by human amnion and chorion. STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid was obtained from women in the midtrimester of pregnancy (n = 20), at term pregnancy (with and without labor, n = 69), and in preterm labor (n = 47). Fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and Mycoplasmas. Interleukin-1 alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentrations were measured by immunoassays previously validated for human amniotic fluid. The effect of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on interleukin-1-induced prostaglandin production by amnion and chorion was studied with primary cultures. Cells were incubated with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-1 alpha or interleukin-1 beta for 16 hours. Prostaglandin E2 released into the media was assayed by immunoassay. RESULTS: (1) Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist was present in all amniotic fluid samples; (2) amniotic fluid contains the highest interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentrations detected in any biologic fluid to date; (3) amniotic fluid interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentrations were not increased in women with preterm labor and intraamniotic infection in spite of dramatically elevated concentrations of interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-1 beta in the same fluid (median 22 ng/ml and range 0.16 to 70 for preterm labor with negative amniotic fluid culture vs median 30 ng/ml and range 6 to 70 for preterm labor with positive amniotic fluid culture; p > 0.05); (4) interleukin-1 receptor antagonist reduced interleukin-1 beta-induced prostaglandin E2 production by amnion and chorion in a dose-dependent manner; (5) interleukin-1 receptor antagonist by itself did not stimulate prostaglandin E2 release by amnion and chorion when used in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1000 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is a physiologic component of amniotic fluid; (2) the release of interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-1 beta into the amniotic fluid in women with preterm labor is not associated with an increase in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist levels in amniotic fluid; (3) interleukin-1 receptor antagonist reduces interleukin-1-induced prostaglandin production by amnion and chorion; (4) exogenous anticytokine agents may be of value in the treatment of preterm labor.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Initiation of human parturition.

Arachidonic acid (the precursor of prostaglandins of the 2-series and related compounds) is released from phosphatidylinositol in a reaction sequence catalyzed by three enzymes, i.e., phospholipase C, diacylglycerol lipase, and monoacylglycerol lipase. Diacylglycerol, an intermediate in this pathway, was found in human amnion tissue. The fatty acid composition of the diacylglycerol fraction of amnion tissue was very similar to that of the phosphatidylinositol fraction. The diacylglycerol content of human amnion tissue obtained during early labor was greater than that of amnion tissue obtained before the onset of labor. These findings are supportive of the proposition that arachidonic acid is released from the phosphatidylinositol of amnion tissue during human parturition.

Amnion↗
PubMed1998

Beta-glucuronidase is not required for transfer of [3H]-estrone-[14C]glucuronide across guinea pig fetal membranes.

To understand the means whereby a charged, estrogen conjugate may be transferred across guinea pig amnion and chorion, the permeability to [3H]estrone-[14C]glucuronide was examined at 45 days and near term. No evidence of deconjugation was obtained in either early or late amnion, despite significantly greater transfer near term. Early amnion was virtually impermeable, regardless of ATP depletion. In contrast, early chorion transferred estrone-glucuronide without any requirement for deconjugation or ATP. No effect of tissue orientation was observed in amnion; whereas, incubations from maternal to fetal side of late chorion exhibited beta-glucuronidase activity. Inhibition of the latter demonstrated that hydrolysis was concomitant with but not required for transport. [3H]Estrone produced by deconjugation was enzymatically reduced after pubic symphysis relaxation, although beta-glucuronidase activity began prior to this stage. Transport across late fetal membranes was not saturable and chorion incubations from maternal to fetal side demonstrated a lower transport capacity. In either tissue orientation, late chorion displayed a lower rate of transfer than amnion. These results indicate that fetal membranes possess distinct abilities for transferring intact estrone-glucuronide, depending on stage of development and tissue orientation. The passive nature of transport and its dependence on structural characteristics is consistent with possible regulation of tight junctions.

Amnion↗
PubMed1998

Presence of Vicia graminea lectin- and Vicia unijuga lectin-binding (Vgu) glycoproteins in human fetal membranes and some of their biochemical properties.

We have previously reported that Vicia graminea lectin (VGA)- and Vicia unijuga lectin (VUA)-binding glycoproteins (Vgu glycoproteins), malignant tumor-associated antigens, exist in human meconium and amniotic fluid. To examine the origin of Vgu glycoprotein, their presence, some of their chemical and serological properties and their biosynthesis in the human fetal membrane, amnion and chorion laeve and accompanying membrane cells were examined. Perchloric acid-soluble fractions were prepared from human amnion and chorion laeve, after which VUA-binding components (Vgu glycoproteins) were separated by HPLC and affinity chromatography using immobilized VUA. Biosynthesis of the antigens in primary cultured cells prepared from the amnion and chorion laeve were examined by pulse-labeling and immunoprecipitation using immobilized VUA and compared with those in cultured human cancer cells. The results indicated that the serological properties of VUA-binding components in fetal membranes were similar to those of meconium and amniotic fluid, that many molecular species of VUA-binding components were synthesized in amnion and chorion laeve cells and that about 40-50% of antigens synthesized are secreted from cells while antigens synthesized in cultured cancer cells human were hardly secreted with more than 95% of the antigens remaining in the cells. From these results, we concluded that a large part of Vgu glycoproteins found in amniotic fluid is synthesized in cells of the amnion and chorion laeve and secreted into the fluid, and that Vgu glycoproteins synthesized in cancer cells were not secreted, rather they were retained in the cells.

Amnion↗