REGULATION OF FETAL FIBRONECTIN PRODUCTION IN HUMAN CHORION CELLS

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the role of human chorion in production of fetal fibronectin and to assess the regulation of fetal fibronectin production by inflammatory products and cytokines. STUDY DESIGN: Human chorion cells were grown in culture, and at confluence cells were incubated with and without lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and acetylsalicylic acid. Fetal fibronectin production was measured in the supernatants by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Production of fetal fibronectin was increased by lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Acetylsalicylic acid had no effect on fetal fibronectin biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal fibronectin production by human chorion cells in vitro is stimulated by inflammatory products and mediators, which are considered to be important in the initiation of some cases of preterm labor.