-transparent.png){kind=logo}
OBJECTIVE To investigate the content and distribution patterns of glycosaminoglycans in the human cervix during pregnancy and parturition. METHODS We obtained a total of 87 specimens from nonpregnant and pregnant women. Biopsies (weight 50-200 mg) were taken from the posterior lip of the cervix. Hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfates, and heparan sulfate were separated on a Dowex 1 x 2 column and identified. RESULTS The total amount of glycosaminoglycans increased during pregnancy from 2800 to 5000 nmol/g dry weight. The highest values were observed at the onset of labor (7100 nmol/g dry weight), followed by a sharp decrease during parturition. The clinical features of cervical ripening and dilatation were also associated with remarkable changes in glycosaminoglycan patterns. CONCLUSIONS Besides collagenolysis during pregnancy, the glycosaminoglycans are also important regulators of cervical function. The different clinical features of the human cervix are characterized not only by variation in the total glycosaminoglycan content but also by changes in the proportions of the different glycosaminoglycans.
R Osmers, and
W Rath, and
M A Pflanz, and
W Kuhn, and
H W Stuhlsatz, and
M Szeverényi
June 2010,
Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM,
R Osmers, and
W Rath, and
M A Pflanz, and
W Kuhn, and
H W Stuhlsatz, and
M Szeverényi
January 1951,
Archiv fur Gynakologie,
R Osmers, and
W Rath, and
M A Pflanz, and
W Kuhn, and
H W Stuhlsatz, and
M Szeverényi
January 1969,
Duodecim; laaketieteellinen aikakauskirja,
R Osmers, and
W Rath, and
M A Pflanz, and
W Kuhn, and
H W Stuhlsatz, and
M Szeverényi
February 1975,
Experimental eye research,
R Osmers, and
W Rath, and
M A Pflanz, and
W Kuhn, and
H W Stuhlsatz, and
M Szeverényi
April 1988,
Obstetrics and gynecology,
R Osmers, and
W Rath, and
M A Pflanz, and
W Kuhn, and
H W Stuhlsatz, and
M Szeverényi
March 1994,
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology,
R Osmers, and
W Rath, and
M A Pflanz, and
W Kuhn, and
H W Stuhlsatz, and
M Szeverényi
January 1999,
Journal of perinatal medicine,
R Osmers, and
W Rath, and
M A Pflanz, and
W Kuhn, and
H W Stuhlsatz, and
M Szeverényi
December 1988,
Nihon Shishubyo Gakkai kaishi,
R Osmers, and
W Rath, and
M A Pflanz, and
W Kuhn, and
H W Stuhlsatz, and
M Szeverényi
April 2008,
Proteomics,
R Osmers, and
W Rath, and
M A Pflanz, and
W Kuhn, and
H W Stuhlsatz, and
M Szeverényi
August 1989,
Endocrine reviews,
