Expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 in normal spontaneous labor at term, preterm labor, and preterm premature rupture of membranes

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 messenger RNA and protein expression are increased in the chorioamniotic membranes of patients with spontaneous labor at term and patients with preterm labor associated with histologic chorioamnionitis. Its expression pattern and biologic effects strongly suggest that bone morphogenetic protein 2 is involved in human parturition.