A possible ambivalent role for relaxin in human myometrial and decidual cells in vitro.

PURPOSE: Based on the reported tocolytic action of the hormone relaxin (RLX) in rodents, locally produced in reproductive tissues and the corpus luteum in mammals, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of RLX on contraction-mediating cyclooxygenases-1 and -2 (COX) and the contractile prostaglandin PGE(2) in human myometrial and decidual cells. Primary cultured cells were obtained from uteri and placentas of term and preterm women undergoing elective caesarean section.

METHODS

In vitro culture of primary myometrial and decidual cells, immunocytochemistry, reverse transcription and real-time PCR, Western blot, ELISA.

RESULTS

We demonstrate for the first time an activating effect of RLX for human COX-1 and COX-2 in primary myometrial and decidual cells in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

These effects might potentially contribute to birth-associated induction of contractions in vivo.