by Shen Tai. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-92). / Chapter CHAPTER1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.2 / Chapter CHAPTER2 --- LITERATURE REVIEW / Chapter 2.1 --- Fibronectin --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1a --- Functions and basic molecular structure --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1b --- Polymorphism and alternative splicing --- p.5 / Chapter 2.1c --- Primary classification --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2 --- Oncofetal fibronectin --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2a --- Introduction --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2b --- Recognition by FDC-6 monoclonal antibody --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2c --- Specificity of FDC-6 antibody --- p.8 / Chapter 2.2d --- Glycosylation of fetal fibronectin molecule --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2e --- Fibronectin and human pregnancy --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2f --- Regulation of fetal fibronectin synthesis --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2g. --- Possible mechanism of fetal fibronectin release --- p.12 / Chapter 2.3 --- The uterine cervix in human labour --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3a --- Introduction --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3b --- Physiological cervical ripening --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3c --- Role of prostaglandins --- p.16 / Chapter 2.3d --- Fibronectin and degradation of cervical matrix --- p.16 / Chapter 2.4 --- Evaluation of cervical status --- p.17 / Chapter 2.4a --- Bishop score --- p.17 / Chapter 2.4b --- Intravaginal ultrasound evaluation of cervix --- p.18 / Chapter 2.4c --- Fibronectin as a tool for evaluation of cervical status --- p.19 / Chapter 2.5 --- Pre-induction cervical ripening with PGE2 --- p.20 / Chapter 2.5a --- Introduction --- p.20 / Chapter 2.5b --- Route of delivery --- p.21 / Chapter 2.5c --- Indications for cervical ripening with prostaglandins --- p.21 / Chapter 2.5d --- Possible Mechanism --- p.22 / Chapter 2.5e --- PGE2 effectiveness and potential risks --- p.23 / Chapter 2.5f --- Other cervical ripening techniques and agents --- p.25 / Chapter 2.5g --- Prediction for outcomes of induction and pre- induction cervical ripening with PGE2 --- p.26 / Chapter 2.6 --- Application of fibronectin in Obstetrics --- p.29 / Chapter 2.6a --- Prediction of preterm delivery --- p.29 / Chapter 2.6b --- Evaluation of cervical status --- p.31 / Chapter 2.6c --- Prediction of prolonged pregnancy --- p.32 / Chapter 2.6d --- Prediction for outcomes of induced labor --- p.32 / Chapter CHAPTER3 --- METHODOLOGY / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.36 / Chapter 3.2. --- Study population and recruitment --- p.36 / Chapter 3.2a --- Inclusive criterion --- p.36 / Chapter 3.2b --- Exclusive criterion --- p.36 / Chapter 3 3 --- Measurement of Fetal Fibronectin --- p.38 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Fetal Fibronectin Membrane Immunoassay --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.1a --- Principle of the test --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.1b --- Reagent and materials --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.1c --- Specimen collection --- p.40 / Chapter 3.3.1d --- Assay procedure and interpretation of results --- p.40 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Fetal Fibronectin Enzyme Immunoassay --- p.40 / Chapter 3.3.2a --- Principle of the test --- p.40 / Chapter 3.3.2b --- Materials --- p.41 / Chapter 3.3.2c --- Specimen collection --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.2d --- Assay procedure and interpretation of results --- p.43 / Chapter 3.4 --- Cervical status determination --- p.44 / Chapter Chapter4 --- RESULT --- p.47 / Chapter Chapter5 --- DISCUSSION --- p.80 / REFERENCES --- p.83