Adrenomedullin secretion by human fetal membranes

The localization of ir-adrenomedullin on amnion and trophoblast cells of fetal membranes and the elevated concentrations found in amniotic fluid suggest a local activity of adrenomedullin within these tissues. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of amnion and chorion/decidual cells to secrete adrenomedullin and whether its production changes with labor. Fetal membranes were collected at delivery (after spontaneous delivery or elective ceasrean delivery) and tissues were fixed for IHC analysis, extracted for AM measurement and cultured for Am output evaluation. Basal output of adrenomedullin by chorion/decidua cells was greater than that by amnion cells and both changed with labour. Our data demonstrated that both the amnion and chorion-decidua layers participate to the production of adrenomedullin by fetal membranes in humans and are responsible of the high concentrations detected in amniotic fluid. Adrenomedullin output by amnion and chorion/decidua cells changed in association with labour.