The Role of Opioid Receptors in the Human Fetal Membranes and Placenta
Research Summary: Dr Kendal-Wright’s research laboratory is focused on understanding how the Human Extraembryonic Membranes’ integrity declines at the end of pregnancy. This is because the rupture of this tissue not only happens in normal pregnancy but is also one of the important causes of preterm birth. Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality and here in Hawaii, is a health disparity in the Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Filipino populations. Projects in her lab are currently focused on understanding how inflammation is initiated in the extraembryonic membranes, and how this causes the molecular changes leading to its gradual weakening and rupture.
For more information on Dr. Kendal-Wright’s research project go to: https://researchoutreach.org/articles/preterm-birth-danger-associated-molecular-patterns/
