Figure 1.

Experimental design. Animals were randomly assigned to six study groups of six to seven animals. Plant sterols dissolved with a carrier (C) (β-cyclodextrin) were given by intra-amniotic (IA) injection at 122 d of gestational age (GA), before onset of chorioamnionitis. Plant sterol injections were repeated every 2 days until 131 d GA, followed by premature delivery at 133 d GA. U. parvum serovar 3 (10⁷ color changing units (CCUs)) was given by IA injection at 127 d GA to induce chorioamnionitis. Control groups had saline injections. Two groups received the carrier (β-cyclodextrin) IA without plant sterols to assess the carrier separately from the plant sterols. Abbreviations: C, carrier; IA, intra-amniotic; S, plant sterols; UP, U. parvum.