Phospholipases in human parturition

Abstract

Phospholipase A2 plays a major role in controlling PG synthesis. Regulation of the activity of this enzyme probably holds the key to the onset of labour. Both PLA2 and PLC can contribute to arachidonate release and PG production in cells, but PLA2 appears to be the main role of synthesis. Phospholipase A2 and PLC can be activated independently of each other; an influx of external calcium is required for PLA2 activation. It is suggested that PLC contributes to PG synthesis through product stimulation of protein kinase C which maintains a pool of free arachidonate by inhibiting reincorporation into the cell membrane. The regulatory role for lipocortin in phospholipase inhibition is controversial and unlikely to be relevant to the onset of labour.