Interleukin-8 is a mediator of the final cervical ripening in humans

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the human cervix and whether the levels of interleukin-8 could be related to the ripening process during pregnancy. Study design: Cervical biopsies were obtained in twelve term pregnant and in eight vaginally delivered women. Seven non-pregnant fertile women served as controls. After homogenisation and centrifugation, IL-8 levels were determined in the supernatant by an enzyme-immunoassay (EIA). Results: In women at term, the concentration of IL-8 increased six-fold from median 330 pg/ml to median 2190 pg/ml (P<0.001). After the final cervical ripening it increased in additional 11-fold to median 26 100 pg/ml (P<0.001). These changes are highly significant. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first time IL-8 has been identified in human cervix. Our results support the involvement of IL-8 in the connective tissue remodelling during the final cervical ripening just before onset of labour. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.