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Origin of cervical collagenase during parturition
R Osmers1, W Rath, B C Adelmann-Grill
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Göttingen, Germany.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
During childbirth, increased collagenase activity in the cervix is primarily due to polymorphonuclear leukocytes, not fibroblasts. This finding is crucial for understanding cervical dilatation during labor.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Cervical ripening involves significant extracellular matrix remodeling.
- Collagen degradation is a key process during cervical dilatation.
- The cellular source of collagenase during parturition has been debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular origin of increased collagenase activity in the cervix during labor.
- To determine whether cervical fibroblasts or infiltrating leukocytes are responsible for collagen degradation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cervical biopsy specimens from 105 patients during parturition.
- Assay using iodine 125-labeled collagen type I to measure collagenase activity.
- In situ hybridization to detect procollagenase messenger ribonucleic acid in fibroblasts.
- Immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies specific for leukocyte collagenase.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in collagenase activity was observed during parturition.
- In situ hybridization did not detect procollagenase messenger ribonucleic acid synthesis in cervical fibroblasts.
- Polymorphonuclear leukocytes migrated into the cervical stroma during labor.
- Leukocyte collagenase was identified in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the cervical extracellular matrix.
Conclusions:
- Polymorphonuclear leukocytes, not resident cervical fibroblasts, are the likely source of collagenase during cervical dilatation.
- Leukocyte emigration and collagenase activity are critical for cervical remodeling during parturition.