Prostaglandin biosynthesis by human decidual cells: effects of inflammatory mediators.

There is substantial evidence that decidual activation, in association with infection, is linked with the onset of both preterm and term labor. We therefore undertook the present study to evaluate prostaglandin production and its potential regulation by inflammatory mediators in human decidual cells in primary monolayer culture. Upon attaining confluence, the cells were incubated with endotoxin, interleukin 1 alpha (IL1 alpha), interleukin 1 beta (IL1 beta); or tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Production of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and PGF2 alpha was determined using specific radioimmunoassays. Endotoxin and these cytokines all induced significant concentration-dependent increases in PGE2 and PGF2 alpha production. Our results suggest that term human decidual cells are responsive to endotoxin and cytokines and that generation of these substances in the decidua or nearby (eg. in response to infection) will lead to increased prostaglandin production and uterine contractions.