Objective: The major tensile strength of fetal membranes is provided by their extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The transcription factor Ets-1 is a critical mediator of ECM remodelling. The purpose of this study was to examine whether Ets-1 is expressed in human fetal membranes and whether it is implicated in premature membrane rupture.
Study design: Amniochorionic membranes from 52 women in the following categories were analyzed for Ets-1 expression: preterm and term premature rupture of membranes, preterm and term labor and delivery, and preterm and term cesarean sections without previous onset of labor. Ets-1 protein was localized with the use of immunohistochemistry. Ets-1 levels were determined with a histoscore.
Results: Ets-1 protein was localized to the trophoblast as well as to the stromal layers. Ets-1 protein expression was up-regulated in the stroma of term and preterm prematurely ruptured membranes.
Conclusion: Ets-1 is expressed in human fetal membranes and its expression is up-regulated with premature rupture of membranes, suggesting a role for Ets-1 in ECM remodelling of the membranes.