Elevated expression of catechol-O-methyltransferase is associated with labor and increased prostaglandin E₂ production by human fetal membranes

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression and function of catechol-O-methyltransferase in human fetal membranes at term. Study Design: Fetal membranes obtained from women between 38-42 weeks of gestation, after (1) vaginal delivery with spontaneous labor and (2) prelabor elective cesarean section (no labor), were assayed for catechol-O-methyltransferase expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. Prostaglandin E₂ secretion from amnion and choriodecidua explants treated with or without catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis. Results: Amnion layer of fetal membranes from laboring women expressed significantly higher levels of catechol-O-methyltransferase, compared with those from women with no labor. Catechol-O-methyltransferase was higher in the amnion layer than in choriodecidua. Selective catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition significantly decreased prostaglandin E₂ production from fetal membranes. Conclusion: Labor increases catechol-O-methyltransferase expression in the amnion of human fetal membranes. Selective catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition decreased prostaglandin E₂ secretion in fetal explant cultures, suggesting a role for catechol-O-methyltransferase in human labor and delivery.