They discovered that cytokines also triggered an increase in receptors to which PGE2 binds on the fetal membrane, which would intensify the effect of the hormone and make the uterus much more susceptible to early contractions, Dr. Spaziani said. Normally, an increase in prostaglandin production would be accompanied by a decrease, or down regulation, in the receptors for prostaglandin, keeping the levels of hormone in check, Dr. Spaziani said. It appears that cytokines, by promoting continued production of the prostaglandin E receptors, are one key to premature labor. If we can find drugs to target the receptors and block them from being stimulated by prostaglandins, we may be able to inhibit early contractions and prevent early labor and delivery. Further USF research on the regulation of prostaglandin receptors on fetal and uterine membranes may help define the biochemical events leading to normal birth as well, Dr. Spazani said.
Human labor is a unique and very complex process.
The number of biological pathways intitiated to get a baby from the uterus out into the world is mind-boggling.