The effect of arachidonic acid and prostanoids on collagen dissolution in human uterine cervix in vitro

Explants of human non-pregnant cervix produce collagenolytic enzymes which degrade collagen over a 10 day period in culture. This is significantly enhanced by the presence of very low concentrations of arachidonic acid (10(-16) - 10(-11)M). Prostaglandin E2, F2 alpha and 6-keto-F1 alpha were synthesised in declining amounts over the 10 day period and synthesis was not increased by adding arachidonic acid (10(-11)M). Meclofenamic acid (10(-6)M) and indomethacin (10(-5)M), but not tranylcypromine (10(-5)M) suppressed prostaglandin synthesis yet all reduced collagen dissolution. Mepacrine (phospholipase A2 inhibitor) also suppressed collagen dissolution. Remodelling of the structure of the cervix matrix may, in part, depend upon arachidonic acid or one of its cyclo-oxygenase or lipoxygenase derived products.