Interleukin-8 synthesis and the onset of labor.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the role of cytokines in cervical dilation.

METHODS

In 55 patients undergoing cesarean delivery, we took samples from the lower uterine segment, the decidua, and the membranes. We determined the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, and MMP-9 in the different tissues.

RESULTS

Depending on the state of labor, we observed a significant increase (P < .001) in IL-8 concentrations in the lower uterine segment. The leukocyte enzymes MMP-8 and MMP-9 were highly significantly correlated with the IL-8 concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Interleukin-8 is critically involved in the process of parturition in humans. Interleukin-8 concentrations in the myometrium, decidua, and membranes correlated strongly with the observed MMP-8 and MMP-9 concentrations.