Enhancement of amniotic cyclooxygenase type 2 activity in women with preterm delivery associated with twins or polyhydramnios.

OBJECTIVE

We tested the hypothesis that preterm delivery in women with twins or polyhydramnios is associated with enhanced expression and activity of cyclooxygenase type 2 in the amnion.

STUDY

DESIGN

We obtained amniotic tissue samples from women undergoing preterm delivery complicated by either twins or polyhydramnios and also from women undergoing preterm cesarean delivery before or after labor. We measured amniotic prostaglandin E2 content and determined cyclooxygenase type 1 and type 2 expressions. We inhibited cyclooxygenase type 1 and type 2 activities with selective inhibitors.

RESULTS

Preterm delivery attributed to twins or polyhydramnios was associated with higher prostaglandin E2 production and enhanced amniotic expression of cyclooxygenase type 2. In contrast, cyclooxygenase type 1 expression was unchanged. Incubation of amniotic samples in vitro with either indomethacin or the selective cyclooxygenase type 2 inhibitor SC-236, but not with the cyclooxygenase type 1 inhibitor SC-560, effectively reduced prostaglandin E2 production.

CONCLUSION

Preterm delivery related to multiple gestation or polyhydramnios was associated with enhanced amniotic expression and activity of cyclooxygenase type 2.