Akemi Sakai

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and Tensile strength of fetal membranes in uncomplicated labor

Objective To analyze the relation between tensile strength and levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 at a number of sites in human fetal membranes. Methods Tensile strengths of fetal membranes from five women who delivered vaginally at term were measured by the method of modified force application. A piece of membrane at each measured site was then dissected, and the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 were measured by sandwich enzyme immunoassay. The relationship between tensile strength and enzyme levels was evaluated by Scheffé F test at a total of 81 sites on the five membranes. Results The mean tensile strength of the membranes was 45.3 ± 19.8 (mean ± standard deviation) mmHg/0.3 mm2 (n = 81). When the measured sites were divided according to tensile strength into four groups (<25, 25–49, 50–74, and ≥75 mmHg/0.3 mm2), the level of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (0.72 ± 0.82 nmol/g protein, n = 12) in the less than 25 mmHg/0.3 mm2 group was significantly higher than the other groups (0.35 ± 0.22, 0.28 ± 0.15, and 0.15 ± 0.08 nmol/g protein; n = 39, 23, and 7, respectively). The significance level was still higher when the molar ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-9 to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 was used for comparison. Conclusion An increased molar ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-9 to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 might be related to decreased tensile strength of human fetal membranes in uncomplicated labor.

Analysis of alveolar PCO2 control during the menstrual cycle.

AbstractWe attempted to analyze how

Relationship between Sense of Coherence in Final Stage of Pregnancy and Postpartum Stress Reactions

P{\text{A}}_{{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}} }

Low serum secretory immunoglobulin A level and sense of coherence score at an early gestational stage as indicators for subsequent threatened premature birth

is regulated during progesterone-induced hyperventilation in the luteal phase. A model for the CO2 control loop was constructed, in which the function of the CO2 exchange system was described as

Relationship between the Noto-Peninsula earthquake and maternal postnatal depression and child-rearing.

P_{A_{CO_2 } } = 0.863 \times \dot V_{CO_2 } /\dot V_A {\text{ }}(gain{\text{ }}H = dP_{A_{CO_2 } } /d\dot V_A )

Mother's feelings of distress and related factors resulting from the crying of her one-month-old infants

and that of the CO2 sensing system as