INITIATION OF HUMAN PARTURITION .5. PROGESTERONE BINDING SUBSTANCE IN FETAL MEMBRANES

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (6) , 685-689
Abstract
This study was undertaken as part of an investigation of the potential role of progesterone metabolism within fetal membranes in the initiation of human labor. A progesterone binding substance is apparently present in amnion and chorion laeve during the last few days of pregnancy. This substance binds progesterone, cortisol and 5.alpha.-dihydroprogesterone but does not bind 20.alpha.-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, R 5020 [17,21-dimethyl-19-nor-4,9-pregnadiene-3,20-dione] or dexamethasone. This is a previously undescribed progesterone binding substance. A possible mechanism by which this substance may be involved in the initiation of human parturition is proposed.