The effect of progesterone on gelatinase expression in the decidua and fetal membranes before and after contractions.

Abstract

This study was aimed to explore the effect of progesterone on gelatinase expression in the decidua and fetal membranes before and after contractions. Zymography was conducted for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine MMP2 transcripts, and the effect of progesterone on MMP2 promoter activity was determined with the use of luciferase activity. Progesterone decreased pro-MMP2 secretion, expression, and promoter activity in decidua before contractions began. The effect of progesterone was reversed completely by mifepristone (RU486). Progesterone failed to inhibit MMP2 expression in the amnion and chorion before contractions began. After contractions, progesterone failed to inhibit MMP2 expression in both the decidua and fetal membranes. MMP2 expression is inhibited by progesterone only in the decidua and only before contractions begin.