CHANGES IN DECIDUAL STROMAL CELL-FUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH LABOR

Objective To determine whether decidual cells produce altered levels of prostaglandins after labour. Design Decidual stromal cells and macrophages were isolated before and after labour, and the production of prostaglandins E2 and F2-alpha measured. Changes in the numbers of cyclooxygenase enzyme positive cells were assessed by immunocytochemistry. Results Decidual stromal cells obtained after labour produced 30 times more prostaglandins E2 and F2-alpha in culture than cells obtained before labour. The increased production persisted for up to 72 h of culture, and was associated with an increase in the numbers of cyclooxygenase-positive cells from < 5% to > 95%. No changes in macrophage function were observed. Conclusion Increased levels of prostaglandins E2 and F2-alpha were released from decidual stromal cells after labour, suggesting that these cells may be an important source of prostaglandins in labour.