Interleukin-6 stimulates prostaglandin production by human amnion and decidual cells.

The effects of interleukin-6 on prostaglandin production by cells from two key sources on intrauterine prostaglandin, i.e. amnion and decidua, have been evaluated. Interleukin-6 induced a concentration-related increase in prostaglandin production by amnion and decidual cells. The concentrations of interleukin-6 required for this stimulatory action are within the range measured in amniotic fluid of women with intrauterine infections and preterm labor. Hence, interleukin-6 may contribute to the mechanism of preterm labor under these conditions.