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Relaxin modulates human cervical stromal cell activity

J J Hwang1, D Macinga, E A Rorke

  • 1Department of Environmental Health Science and Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 1, 1996
PubMed
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Relaxin, a hormone, directly influences human cervical stromal cells, promoting cervical ripening. It modulates extracellular matrix remodeling and increases collagenase activity, suggesting a key role in childbirth preparation.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cervical changes during pregnancy are crucial for normal delivery.
  • Hormonal factors, particularly relaxin, are implicated in cervical softening.
  • The cervical stroma is a potential site for relaxin's action.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the direct effects of relaxin on human cervical stromal cells.
  • To determine relaxin's role in extracellular matrix remodeling and cervical ripening.

Main Methods:

  • Primary human cervical stromal cell cultures were utilized.
  • Relaxin's effects on cell proliferation, proteinase activity, collagenase activity, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis were assessed.
  • Enzyme activity was measured using gelatin substrate gels and collagen fibril assays.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Inhibitor studies identified gelatinases as metalloproteinases.

    • Main Results:

    • Relaxin did not affect cervical stromal cell proliferation.
    • Relaxin stimulated the secretion of metalloproteinases (36, 52, and 116 kDa) and increased collagenase activity.
    • Relaxin enhanced glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cervical stromal cells.
    • Estradiol and progesterone did not augment relaxin's effects.

    Conclusions:

    • Relaxin directly modulates human cervical stromal cell activity.
    • Relaxin's effects on extracellular matrix remodeling suggest a role in regulating cervical ripening.
    • These findings support relaxin's function in preparing the cervix for delivery, similar to its role in other species.