Increased concentrations of plasma neuropeptide Y in patients with eclampsia and preeclampsia

Article Abstract:

Blood levels of neuropeptide Y are elevated in pregnant women with preeclampsia and eclampsia, according to a study of 24 pregnant women. This indicates that both of these complications of pregnancy are partly caused by activation of the sympathetic nervous system.

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Urinary trypsin inhibitor prevents uterine muscle contraction by inhibition of Ca++ influx

Article Abstract:

Urinary trypsin inhibitor in fetal urine appears to relax uterine muscles and suppress spontaneous uterine contractions. Samples of the muscle coat of the uterus were taken from 20 healthy pregnant women during elective cesarean section. The samples were cut into small strips to be used in the experiment. Neonatal urine of the fetuses delivered by cesarean were collected and centrifuged. Urinary trypsin inhibitor was shown to restrict uterine contractions induced by the stimulants oxytocin, prostaglandins, and lipopolysaccharide. This inhibitor apparently mediates increases of calcium flow to uterine muscles that would be necessary for their contraction.

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Stretching of fetal membranes increases the concentration of interleukin-8 and collagenase activity

Article Abstract:

Stretching of fetal membranes and uterine muscle, as occurs in late pregnancy, may encourage labor through an increase in levels of interleukin-8. Researchers obtained samples of fetal membranes, placenta, and muscle strips from the lower uterus from women who underwent elective cesarean deliveries and stretched the tissues for two to four hours. Levels of interleukin-8 increased in fetal membranes, placenta, and uterine muscle. Fetal membranes exhibited higher levels of interleukin-8 than did placenta. Interleukin-8 may initiate ripening of the cervix and labor by causing an inflammatory response that breaks down the collagen content of the cervix. Stretching of fetal membranes caused their collagen content to degrade. Interleukin-8 levels in amniotic fluid increase gradually in late pregnancy.

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