Endocrine Abstracts

Intrauterine infection, a common antecedent of premature birth, leads to increased levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the amniotic fluid. IL-1 in amniotic fluid and cord blood is a risk factor for the postnatal development of chronic lung disease. On the other hand, intrauterine inflammation may protect the preterm newborn from respiratory distress syndrome. A single intra-amniotic injection of IL-1 given to fetal animals increases surfactant protein synthesis and surfactant po...