Collagenase, its inhibitors, and decorin in the lower uterine segment in pregnant women
Article Abstract:
Increased levels of collagenase in the lower segment of the uterus may play an important role in dilation of the cervix in pregnant women who are in labor. Collagenase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of collagen. Collagen a protein in skin, tendon, bone, cartilage and all other connective tissue. A study examined the activity of collagenase and its natural inhibitors in tissue samples from the lower segment of the uterus in pregnant women in active labor and pregnant women at term. Women who were in active labor had concentrations of collagenase that were 23 times higher than the women who were at term. The concentration of the collagenase tissue inhibitors was only two times higher in the women in active labor than in those at term. Decorin is another substance that may be involved in the dilation of the cervix during labor.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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Role of fascial collagen in stress urinary incontinence
Article Abstract:
A loss of collagen in the pubocervical fascia might be one cause of urinary incontinence. Collagen is a structural protein in many ligaments and other tissues that support various organs. One such supporting tissue is the pubocervical fascia, which supports the bladder. Researchers took samples of the pubocervical fascia from 56 women undergoing surgery for urinary incontinence and 26 women having surgery for other reasons. Women with urinary incontinence had significantly less collagen in the pubocervical fascia than the other women.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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Onapristone and prostaglandin E2 induction of delivery in the rat in late pregnancy: a model for the analysis of cervical softening
Article Abstract:
Premature delivery induced by the hormones prostaglandin E2 and onapristone appears to be effective and predictable in rats. Researchers induced premature delivery in pregnant rats with estradiol or prostaglandin E2 and lilopristone or onapristone on day 19 of pregnancy. Treatment with prostaglandin E2 and onapristone resulted in consistent premature delivery 25 hours later. Rats delivering prematurely had cervices similar in appearance and tissue composition as full term rats.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1996
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