저자는 C2H/HeN종, 7-9 주령된 쥐를 임신시켜 임신 15일째 세균내 독소를 이용하여 전신감염에 의한 조산모델을 만들어 모체 쥐의 혈청, 양수에서의 TNF-a, IL-6의 변화 및 태반에서의 IL-6의 발현에 대한 연구를 시행한 결과 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 특 미생물에서 유래된 세균 내독소에 의하여 유발된 조기진통 쥐에 있어서 양수내 TNF-a의 농도는 통계학적 의의는 없지만 LPS를 주사한지 4시간후에 농도가 높았으며 양수내 IL-6의 농도는 4시간 후에 점에 도달한 후 그 농도가 점차 감소하였다.

Objective : Our purpose was to determine whether endotoxin-induced preterm parturition is preceded by a change in the maternal amniotic fluid concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6. Study design: C3H/NeN pregnant mice at 15 days of gestation were randomized to receive an intraperitoneal injection of phosphate-buffered saline solution or lipopolysaccharide(50 micro g/mice). Amniotic fluids(n=46) were collected at 1, 4, and 10 hours after phosphate-buffered saline solution or lipopolysaccharide injection, respectively. Tomor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassays. Results: The injection to delivery interval was shorter in mice injected intraperitoneally with 50 micro g lipopolysaccharide than in phosphate-buffered saline solution-treated mice. In comparision with phosphate-buffered-saline solution treated mice, a distinct amniotic cytokine pattern was observed in lipopolysaccharide treated mice. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-a in amniotic fluid were not significantly elevated after treatment with lipopolysaccharide injection. But the peak of interleukin-6 in amniotic fluid was detectable agter 4 hours after lipopolysaccharide injection. Conclusion: Preterm delivery after lipopolysaccharide administration is preceded by the apperance of dramatic increase in maternal amniotic fluid concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6.