Regulation of fetal fibronectin production in human amnion cells

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the role of human amnion in the production of fetal fibronectin and assessed the regulation of fetal fibronectin production by inflammatory products and cytokines.

Methods: Human amnion cells were grown in culture. At confluence, the cell were incubated with and without lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6. Fetal fibronectin production was measured in the supernatant fluid using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

Results: Unstimulated amnion cells produced fetal fibronectin, and production was increased by lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6.

Conclusion: Human amnion cells in vitro produce fetal fibronectin in substantial quantities. This production is stimulated by inflammatory products and mediators that are considered to be important in the initiation of some cases of preterm labor.