Project Summary (1995-2000)

The uterus provides a nurturing environment for the developing infant during pregnancy. At the time of delivery, it must change from an inactive, quiescent state, to a highly active, contractile state. Precise regulation of uterine contractions is needed for labor to be effective and some studies suggest that PCBs can alter the length of gestation and adversely affect labor. The goal of this project is to more carefully investigate whether environmental contaminants found at hazardous waste sites, particularly PCBs, can alter uterine muscle functions involved in labor.