Eosinophils in human cervical ripening

Cervical ripening has many similarities to an inflammatory reaction. Eosinophil granulocytes are involved in several inflammatory responses. The objective was to investigate the presence of eosinophils in human cervix uteri during different conditions.

Cervical biopsies were obtained from non-pregnant (n = 6), women in early pregnancy (n = 11) and from three groups of women at term: spontaneous vaginal deliveries (n = 5); vaginal deliveries after pretreatment with Prostaglandin E2 (n = 7); and from women who underwent planned Caesarean section (n = 7). Immunohistochemical staining for eosinophil granulocytes (ECP, EG2) were performed. The biopsies were analysed blinded.

Eosinophils showing degranulation in the tissue were found in all specimens from vaginal deliveries. No eosinophils, or very few were seen in the biopsies from non-pregnant, early pregnant women or planned caesarean section. Prostaglandin treatment had no effect on the results.

Eosinophils participate in cervical ripening at term in women, and seem to arise mainly after labour.