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Quantitation and Localization of Inflammatory Cytokines Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 in the Lower Uterine Segment During Cervical Dilatation

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Abstract

Purpose : Cervical dilatation during parturition is associated with a significant increase of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. The purpose of this study was to localize the respective messenger RNA and to quantitate their protein levels during various stages of dilatation.

Methods : Protein extracts from 34 biopsy specimens of the lower uterine segment at various stages of cervical dilatation (<2, 2 to <4, 4–6, and >6 cm) were subjected to enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for IL-6 and IL-8 to document their concentration. The respective mRNA expression was studied using reverse transcriptase PCR using IL-6 and IL-8 specific primers. Localization of IL-6 and IL-8 was done by in situ hybridization using biotinylated probes.

Results : The IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations increased significantly in the lower uterine segment tissues at 4–6 cm of dilatation. Expression of IL-8 was seen in all the tissues at or more than 4 cm dilatation, whereas IL-6 expression was inconsistent. In situ hybridization localized IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA to the glandular epithelium.

Conclusions : The increase in the inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) during parturition is associated with cervical effacement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Technical University, Aachen, Germany

    Birgit Kemp, Matthias Winkler, Holger Maul & Werner Rath

  2. The Perinatal Research Center, The Women's Health Research and Education Foundation, Centennial Women's Hospital, 2300 Patterson Street, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203

    Ramkumar Menon & Stephen J. Fortunato

Authors
  1. Birgit Kemp
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  2. Ramkumar Menon
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  3. Stephen J. Fortunato
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  4. Matthias Winkler
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  5. Holger Maul
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  6. Werner Rath
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stephen J. Fortunato.

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Kemp, B., Menon, R., Fortunato, S.J. et al. Quantitation and Localization of Inflammatory Cytokines Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 in the Lower Uterine Segment During Cervical Dilatation. J Assist Reprod Genet 19, 215–219 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015354701668

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015354701668

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