Elevated expression of catechol-O-methyltransferase is associated with labor and increased prostaglandin E2 production by human fetal membranes

Labor increases catechol-O-methyltransferase expression in the amnion of human fetal membranes. Selective catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition decreased prostaglandin E2 secretion in fetal explant cultures, suggesting a role for catechol-O-methyltransferase in human labor and delivery.