|
CLASSIC MODEL
- Infection or other causes (toxins in cigarette smoke) act
upon the membranes weakening them and leading to preterm premature rupture (PROM)
- Some bacteria produce enzymes that may weaken the membranes
causing rupture
WORK OF THE PRC IN THIS AREA
FETAL MEMBRANE MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES (MMPs)
- Enzymes found in many tissues in the body that can dissolve
the matrix holding the tissue together
- Normally used by the body to remodel tissues (growth)
- The PRC has demonstrated that these enzymes are present in
fetal membranes
- The PRC has shown that the active form of some of these enzymes
(MMP9) is ONLY present in PROM
- The full gamut of enzyme, enzyme activities and enzyme inhibitors
is present in fetal membranes.
THE PRC THEORY OF PROM
- The MMPs are normally involved in membrane growth in response
to the growing pregnancy
- Pathologic conditions over activate these enzymes causing
membrane destruction and rupture
- THE MEMBRANES CAN SELF DESTRUCT !
More than
you want to know...
|
