15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase protein expression in human preterm fetal membranes

Abstract

Prostaglandins are important in the onset of labour. 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH) metabolizes prostaglandins and is downregulated in preterm labour with and without infection. We detected a predominant 29kDa and 55kDa form of immunoreactive-PGDH in preterm chorion and amnion, respectively. 29kDa PGDH expression was unchanged with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), gestational age, glucocorticoid administration or subclinical inflammation. However, in amnion, 55kDa PGDH increased with PPROM at