PROBLEM:
    Preterm labor and premature rupture of the membranes are major complications of pregnancy. We have reported the possible role of amniochorionic membrane in the production of inflammatory cytokines and the early onset of labor. This study was conducted to detect the expression of IL-8 mRNA and peptide production in cultured fetal membranes.

METHOD:
    Amniochorionic membranes were collected from women undergoing elective cesarean section at term. Membranes were cultured in an organ explant system and the expression of IL-8 was studied over a 10-day period by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. IL-8 peptide localization was accomplished using immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS:
     Constitutive expression of IL-8 mRNA in cultured fetal membranes was demonstrated in both amniotic and chorionic leave cells. mRNA and peptide for IL-8 was homogeneously distributed throughout the amniotic and chorionic cells.

CONCLUSIONS:
     Human amniochorionic membrane is a source of IL-8 mRNA and peptide.