Semin Reprod Med 2007; 25(1): 060-068
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-956776
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Prostaglandin F and Its Receptor as Activators of Human Decidua

Shintaro Makino1 , Dean B. Zaragoza1 , Bryan F. Mitchell1 , Sarah Robertson2 , David M. Olson1
  • 1Perinatal Research Centre, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
  • 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
05 January 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Prostaglandins produced by the intrauterine tissues of both mother and fetus (myometrium, decidua, placenta, chorion, and amnion) are involved with all of the physiologies of parturition (membrane rupture, cervical dilatation, myometrial contractility, placental separation, and uterine involution). For parturition to occur, however, the intrauterine tissues need to first be activated to prepare for the work of labor, then stimulated to initiate labor. Prostaglandins normally are considered to be stimulators of the physiologies of labor. This review presents evidence that one prostaglandin, PGF, and its receptor, FP, are also activators, especially of the decidua. Stimulated by cytokines, the decidual synthesis of PGF and the expression of FP lead to increased matrix metalloproteinase activity, further enhancement of cytokine activity, increased decidual oxytocin and oxytocin receptor expression, decreased progesterone responsiveness, and possibly, enhanced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. These collective actions prepare the decidua for its role in parturition.

REFERENCES

David M OlsonPh.D. 

Perinatal Research Centre

227 HMRC, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2S2

Email: david.olson@ualberta.ca