Role of corticotropin-releasing hormone in onset of labour

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) derived from the placenta is secreted into the maternal circulation in large amounts during the third trimester of human pregnancy and may have an important role in the onset of labour. Although the biological role of CRH remains enigmatic, the presence of funct...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Lancet (British edition) 1999-10, Vol.354 (9189), p.1546-1549
Main Authors: Grammatopoulos, Dimitris K, Hillhouse, Edward W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Births
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone - blood
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone - physiology
Female
Genital system. Mammary gland
Hormones
Humans
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Labor Onset - physiology
Medical sciences
Models, Biological
Myometrium - physiology
Myometrium - physiopathology
Obstetric Labor, Premature - physiopathology
Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques
Placenta - metabolism
Pregnancy
Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone - metabolism
Uterine Contraction - physiology
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Summary:Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) derived from the placenta is secreted into the maternal circulation in large amounts during the third trimester of human pregnancy and may have an important role in the onset of labour. Although the biological role of CRH remains enigmatic, the presence of functional CRH receptors in the myometrium suggests that CRH may modulate myometrial contractility and hence parturition. CRH action is mediated via multiple receptor subtypes and pregnancy results in differential receptor expression. These receptors are primarily linked to the adenylate cyclase second messenger system, which would help the intracellular microenvironment to maintain the required myometrial quiescence. CRH can exert further actions such as inhibition of prostaglandin production to prevent contractions. At term under the influence of oxytocin there is a modification in the coupling mechanisms that leads to a decrease in the biological activity of the CRH receptor and in the generation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate which favours myometrial contractions. CRH, via distinct receptor subtypes, is then able to enhance the contractile response of the myometrium. This hypothesis places CRH in a central role in coordinating the smooth transition from a state of relaxation to one of contraction.
ISSN:0140-6736
1474-547X
DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(99)03418-2