Interleukin-8 release from human gestational tissue explants: The effects of lipopolysaccharide and cytokines

Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-8 is a chemotactic cytokine that has been implicated in the etiology of infection-induced and normal human labor. In particular, IL- 8 has been implicated in the processes of cervical ripening and rupture of fetal membranes because of its role in neutrophil activation and release of cellular matrix remodeling enzymes. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that IL-8 is released locally in the intrauterine environment from human amnion, choriodecidua, and placenta, and that IL-8 release from these tissues is increased by bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and inflammatory cytokines. IL-8 was released from human amnion, choriodecidual, and placental explants, wit..