A role for the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis
factor alpha (TNF-α) is evident in term and preterm delivery, and this is independent of the
presence of infection. All uterine tissues progress through a staged transformation near the
end of pregnancy that leads from relative uterine quiescence and maintenance of pregnancy
to the activation of the uterus that prepares it for the work of labour and production of
stimulatory molecules that trigger the onset of labour and delivery. The uterus is activated by …