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Physiologic Uterine Inflammation and Labor Onset: Integration of Endocrine and Mechanical Signals

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Abstract

The mechanisms underlying the preparation of the uterus for labor are not fully understood. Our previous studies have shown that during pregnancy, the uterine muscle (myometrium) undergoes dramatic phenotypic modulation culminating in term labor. The current review will discuss the cellular mechanisms involved in the regulation of myometrial activity and its modulation by endocrine signals and by mechanical stimulation of the uterus by the growing fetus. In particular, the contribution of uterine inflammation to the onset of labor will be described. We provide evidence that increased production of cytokines/chemokines in pregnant myometrium is associated with uterine occupancy and regulated by progesterone, suggesting the integration of mechanical and endocrine signals. Myometrial cells can actively participate in the inflammatory process in the uterus through the release of multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, providing a strong signal for activation of immune cells, their subsequent infiltration into pregnant uterus, and the initiation of labor.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital, 25 Orde Street, Room 6-1019, M5T 3H7, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Oksana Shynlova PhD, Yu-Hui Lee BMLSc & Stephen J Lye PhD

  2. Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Canada

    Yu-Hui Lee BMLSc & Stephen J Lye PhD

  3. Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Khetsopon Srikhajon BSc

  4. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Canada

    Stephen J Lye PhD

  5. Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Canada

    Stephen J Lye PhD

Authors
  1. Oksana Shynlova PhD
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  2. Yu-Hui Lee BMLSc
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  3. Khetsopon Srikhajon BSc
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  4. Stephen J Lye PhD
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Correspondence to Oksana Shynlova PhD.

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Shynlova, O., Lee, YH., Srikhajon, K. et al. Physiologic Uterine Inflammation and Labor Onset: Integration of Endocrine and Mechanical Signals. Reprod. Sci. 20, 154–167 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719112446084

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