Context: Labor is characterized by “decidual activation” with production of inflammatory
mediators. Recent data suggest that surfactant protein-A (SP-A) may be critical to the onset …

Abstract Context: Surfactant protein A (SP-A) may be an important link between the
maturation of fetal organs and the initiation of parturition. However, the local expression of …

Previously we obtained compelling evidence that the fetus provides a critical signal for the
initiation of term labor through developmental induction of surfactant protein (SP)-A …

Surfactant protein A (SP-A) functions in homeostasis of lung surfactant and in innate
immunity. SP-A is secreted by the fetal lung into amniotic fluid. Additionally it has been …

Surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D are pattern recognition innate immune molecules that
belong to the C-type lectin family. In lungs, they play an important role in the clearance of …

The signals that lead to the initiation of parturition have remained a mystery. We postulate
that in humans and other mammals, uterine quiescence is maintained by increased …

Prematurity is the main cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity, and preterm birth is often
associated with intrauterine inflammation. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) functions in lung …

In the present study, we investigated the ability of human fetal membranes (amnion and
choriodecidua) to regulate human maternal uterine cell functions through the secretion of …

The mechanism of mouse parturition is thought to involve myometrial infiltration by amniotic
fluid (AF) macrophages, activated by surfactant protein-A (SP-A). In humans, the …

Introduction 3. Structure of SP-A and SP-D 4. Localisation of surfactant proteins in female
reproductive tract 5. SP-A and SP-D in amniotic fluid and amniotic epithelium 6. Role of SP …