Prostaglandins and Cytokines in Pregnancy and Labor

Prostaglandins and cytokine networks play an important role in a wide range of reproductive and pregnancy related processes. Both of these two classes of mediators influence a range of uterine functions during the menstrual cycle, implantation, pregnancy and labor. The synergistic interactions between individual cytokines are intricate and vibrant. They are modulated by pregnancy hormones. It is not surprising therefore, that perturbations in prostaglandins and cytokines signaling are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, preterm labor and fetal brain injury. Further insights in to the complexity of prostaglandins and cytokine networks will be required to develop novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of prostaglandins and cytokines imbalances in pregnancy. We have focused on changes in cytokines expression and actions as evidence of parturition as an inflammatory reaction. The evidence from the literature suggests that parturition can be regarded as a process in which specialized forms of inflammation are fundamental to a successful outcome.