Effect of vaginal distention on elastic fiber synthesis and matrix degradation in the vaginal wall: potential role in the pathogenesis of pelvic organ prolapse

Matrix metalloprotease (MMP) activity is increased in the postpartum vagina of wild-type (WT) animals. This degradative activity is also accompanied by a burst in elastic fiber synthesis and assembly. The mechanisms that precipitate these changes are unclear. The goals of this study were to determine how vaginal distention (such as in parturition) affects elastic fiber homeostasis in the vaginal wall and the potential significance of these changes in the pathogenesis of pelvic organ prolapse. Vaginal distention with a balloon simulating parturition resulted in increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in the vaginal wall of nonpregnant and pregnant animals. This was accompanied by visible fragmented and disrupted elastic fibers in the vaginal wall. In nonpregnant animals, the abundant amounts of tropoelastin and fibulin-5 in the vagina were not increased further by distention. In contrast, in pregnant animals, the suppressed levels of both proteins were increased 3-fold after vaginal distention. Distention performed in fibulin-5-deficient (Fbln5(-/-)) mice with defective elastic fiber synthesis and assembly induced accelerated pelvic organ prolapse, which never recovered. We conclude that, in pregnant mice, vaginal distention results in increased protease activity in the vaginal wall but also increased synthesis of proteins important for elastic fiber assembly. Distention may thereby contribute to the burst of elastic fiber synthesis in the postpartum vagina. The finding that distention results in accelerated pelvic organ prolapse in Fbln5(-/-) animals, but not in WT, indicates that elastic fiber synthesis is crucial for recovery of the vaginal wall from distention-induced increases in vaginal protease activity.     

Quantification of pelvic organ prolapse in mice: vaginal protease activity precedes increased MOPQ scores in fibulin 5 knockout mice

Two mouse models of pelvic organ prolapse have been generated recently, both of which have null mutations in genes involved in elastic fiber synthesis and assembly (fibulin 5 and lysyl oxidase-like 1). Interestingly, although these mice exhibit elastinopathies early in life, pelvic organ prolapse does not develop until later in life. In this investigation we developed and validated a tool to quantify the severity of pelvic organ prolapse in mice, and we used this tool prospectively to study the role of fibulin 5, aging, and vaginal proteases in the development of pelvic organ prolapse. The results indicate that >90% of Fbln5(-/-) mice develop prolapse by 6 mo of age, even in the absence of vaginal delivery, and that increased vaginal protease activity precedes the development of prolapse.     

Dysregulation of Protease and Protease Inhibitors in a Mouse Model of Human Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Mice deficient for the fibulin-5 gene (Fbln5^−/−) develop pelvic organ prolapse (POP) due to compromised elastic fibers and upregulation of matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-9. Here, we used casein zymography, inhibitor profiling, affinity pull-down, and mass spectrometry to discover additional protease upregulated in the vaginal wall of Fbln5^−/− mice, herein named V1 (25 kDa). V1 was a serine protease with trypsin-like activity similar to protease, serine (PRSS) 3, a major extrapancreatic trypsinogen, was optimum at pH 8.0, and predominantly detected in estrogenized vaginal epithelium of Fbln5^−/− mice. PRSS3 was (a) localized in epithelial secretions, (b) detected in media of vaginal organ culture from both Fbln5^−/− and wild type mice, and (c) cleaved fibulin-5 in vitro. Expression of two serine protease inhibitors [Serpina1a (α1-antitrypsin) and Elafin] was dysregulated in Fbln5^−/− epithelium. Finally, we confirmed that PRSS3 was expressed in human vaginal epithelium and that SERPINA1 and Elafin were downregulated in vaginal tissues from women with POP. These data collectively suggest that the balance between proteases and their inhibitors contributes to support of the pelvic organs in humans and mice.     

Pelvic Organ Support in Animals with Partial Loss of Fibulin-5 in the Vaginal Wall

Compromise of elastic fiber integrity in connective tissues of the pelvic floor is most likely acquired through aging, childbirth-associated injury, and genetic susceptibility. Mouse models of pelvic organ prolapse demonstrate systemic deficiencies in proteins that affect elastogenesis. Prolapse, however, does not occur until several months after birth and is thereby acquired with age or after parturition. To determine the impact of compromised levels of fibulin-5 (Fbln5) during adulthood on pelvic organ support after parturition and elastase-induced injury, tissue-specific conditional knockout (cKO) mice were generated in which doxycycline (dox) treatment results in deletion of Fbln5 in cells that utilize the smooth muscle α actin promoter-driven reverse tetracycline transactivator and tetracycline responsive element-Cre recombinase (i.e., Fbln5^f/f/SMA⁺⁺-rtTA/Cre⁺, cKO). Fbln5 was decreased significantly in the vagina of cKO mice compared with dox-treated wild type or controls (Fbln5^f/f/SMA⁺⁺-rtTA/Cre^-/-). In controls, perineal body length (PBL) and bulge increased significantly after delivery but declined to baseline values within 6–8 weeks. Although overt prolapse did not occur in cKO animals, these transient increases in PBL postpartum were amplified and, unlike controls, parturition-induced increases in PBL (and bulge) did not recover to baseline but remained significantly increased for 12 wks. This lack of recovery from parturition was associated with increased MMP-9 and nondetectable levels of Fbln5 in the postpartum vagina. This predisposition to prolapse was accentuated by injection of elastase into the vaginal wall in which overt prolapse occurred in cKO animals, but rarely in controls. Taken together, our model system in which Fbln5 is conditionally knock-downed in stromal cells of the pelvic floor results in animals that undergo normal elastogenesis during development but lose Fbln5 as adults. The results indicate that vaginal fibulin-5 during development is crucial for baseline pelvic organ support and is also important for protection and recovery from parturition- and elastase-induced prolapse.     

Elastic fiber assembly in the adult mouse pubic symphysis during pregnancy and postpartum

Impairment of pelvic organ support has been described in mice with genetic modifications of the proteins involved in elastogenesis, such as lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) and fibulin 5. During pregnancy, elastic fiber-enriched pelvic tissues are modified to allow safe delivery. In addition, the mouse pubic symphysis is remodeled in a hormone-controlled process that entails the modification of the fibrocartilage into an interpubic ligament (IpL) and the relaxation of this ligament. After first parturition, recovery occurs to ensure pelvic tissue homeostasis. Because ligaments are the main supports of the pelvic organs, this study aimed to evaluate elastogenesis in the IpL during mouse pregnancy and postpartum. Accordingly, virgin, pregnant, and postpartum C57BL/6 mice were studied using light, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy as well as Western blots and real-time PCR. Female mice exhibited the separation of the pubic bones and the formation, relaxation, and postpartum recovery of the IpL. By the time the IpL was formed, the elastic fibers had increased in profile length and diameter, and they consisted of small conglomerates of amorphous material distributed among the bundles of microfibrils. Our analyses also indicated that elastin/tropoelastin, fibrillin 1, LOXL1/Loxl1, and fibulin 5 were spatially and temporally regulated, suggesting that these molecules may contribute to the synthesis of new elastic fibers during IpL development. Overall, this work revealed that adult elastogenesis may be important to assure the elasticity of the pelvic girdle during preparation for parturition and postpartum recovery. This finding may contribute to our understanding of pathological processes involving elastogenesis in the reproductive tract.     

生物反馈电刺激联合Kegel训练对产后盆底功能障碍性疾病患者盆底功能电生理指标和生活质量的影响

目的:观察生物反馈电刺激联合Kegel训练对产后盆底功能障碍性疾病(PFD)患者盆底功能电生理指标和生活质量的影响。方法:研究对象为2018年3月~2020年12月我院收治的80例产后PFD患者。采用双色球随机分组法将患者分为对照组(n=40)和研究组(n=40)。对照组给予Kegel训练,研究组给予生物反馈电刺激联合Kegel训练,两组均治疗8周。对比两组治疗8周后的疗效和尿失禁、盆底器官脱垂程度的改善情况。对比两组治疗前、治疗8周后的盆底功能电生理指标、日常生活质量和性生活质量。结果:治疗8周后,研究组的临床总有效率较对照组高(P<0.05)。治疗8周后,研究组I类肌纤维疲劳度、Ⅱ类肌纤维疲劳度、快肌最大肌电值及阴道动态压力均优于对照组(P<0.05)。研究组治疗8周后尿失禁、盆底器官脱垂程度的改善情况优于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗8周后,研究组盆底功能影响问卷简表(PIFQ-7)评分、盆腔器官脱垂-尿失禁性功能问卷(PISQ-12)评分均低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:产后PFD患者采用生物反馈电刺激联合Kegel训练治疗疗效明确,可促进尿失禁、盆底器官脱垂程度情况及盆底功能改善,提高患者日常生活质量和性生活质量。     

The amount and activity of active matrix metalloproteinase 13 is suppressed by estradiol and progesterone in human pelvic floor fibroblasts

As a key degrader of fibrillar collagens, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), may contribute to the progression of pelvic organ prolapse. Here we aimed to define the regulation of MMP13 by estradiol and progesterone in the vaginal supportive tissues. Fibroblasts cultured from the arcus tendineous fasciae pelvis of three pre- and three postmenopausal women with prolapse were treated with 17-beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), E2 + P4, or E2 + ICI 182,780 (ICI). Collagenase inhibitor I (CI) and MG-132 were employed to investigate the mechanism of MMP13 degradation into inactive fragments (fragmentation) by hormones. The regulation of MMP13 in vivo was assessed by comparing tissues of ovariectomized (ovx) vs. sham-operated rats. Expression of MMP13 (proenzyme and active and fragment forms) was quantitated by Western immunoblotting, and MMP13 enzymatic activity was measured using a substrate degradation assay. The amount of cellular active MMP13 and MMP13 proteolytic activity decreased in the presence of hormones. The decrease was paralleled by increased proenzyme and fragment forms. MG-132, not CI, suppressed cellular MMP13 fragmentation. Active MMP13 increased in rats following ovx and was suppressed by E2 + P4 supplementation. Active MMP13 is suppressed in vivo and in vitro by estradiol and progesterone, suggesting a protective effect against vaginal supportive tissue deterioration.     

子宫托对阴道微生态的影响以及应用雌激素的作用

通常将阴道前后壁、膀胱或直肠等盆腔脏器突入阴道内,称为盆腔脏器脱垂,常发生于老年女性。盆腔脏器脱垂及其引起的排尿相关症状严重影响患者的生活质量。目前临床上治疗盆腔脏器脱垂最常用的方法为佩戴子宫托。子宫托治疗盆腔脏器脱垂已有久远的历史。使用子宫托可明显改善盆腔脏器脱垂患者的临床症状,提高患者的生活质量。然而研究显示,对于机体而言,阴道内放置子宫托可在一定程度上影响阴道微生态环境平衡,从而使佩戴子宫托患者的细菌性阴道病患病率增加4.37倍。同时使用雌激素可明显减少由使用子宫托引起的阴道微环境改变、出血、溃疡等症状的发生。现就子宫托对阴道微生态的影响以及应用雌激素的作用做一简要综述。     

How Accurate Is Preoperative Evaluation of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Women Undergoing Vaginal Reconstruction Surgery?

Objective

To evaluate the differences between the in-office and intraoperative techniques used to evaluate pelvic organ prolapse.

Materials and Methods

A prospective study included 25 women undergoing vaginal reconstruction surgery including vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse. The outpatient pelvic and site-specific vaginal examination was performed in the lithotomy position with the Valsalva maneuver. Repeated intraoperative examination was performed under general anesthesia with standard mild cervical traction. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POPQ) was used for both measurements and staging. The values found under the two conditions were compared.

Results

The intraoperative POPQ-measurements values were significantly higher than the outpatient values for apical wall prolapse in 17/25 (68%) women and for anterior wall prolapse in 8/25 (32%) women. There was not a significant difference in the posterior wall where increase in staging was shown in 3/25 (12%) patients.

Conclusions

Clinicians and patients should be alert to the possibility that pelvic organ measurements performed under general anesthesia with mild traction may be different from preoperative evaluation.     

补中益气汤联合生物反馈电刺激在产后盆底功能障碍患者的应用研究

目的:研究探讨补中益气汤联合生物反馈电刺激对产后盆底功能障碍患者的临床治疗效果及对其盆底肌肉张力的影响。方法:选择我院就诊的90例产后盆底功能障碍气虚证患者(2017年11月～2018年10月),按照随机数字表法划分为30例/组的A组、B组、C组,A组实施常规盆底肌锻炼,B组采用盆底治疗仪实施生物反馈电刺激治疗,C组实施生物反馈电刺激联合中药补中益气汤治疗,比较三组的疗效、盆底肌力评分、阴道最大收缩压、盆腔器官脱垂、尿失禁、性生活质量评分。结果:(1)组间临床疗效、证候疗效比较,C组的临床总有效率、证候改善总有效率均高于A组、B组(P0.05),而A组与B组之间比较均无统计学差异(P0.05)。(2)治疗后,C组的盆底肌力评分、阴道最大收缩压、性生活质量评分均高于A组、B组(P0.05),A组与B组之间比较均无统计学差异(P0.05)。(3)C组的盆腔器官脱垂、尿失禁等发生率均低于A组、B组(P0.05),而A组与B组比较均无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:生物反馈电刺激联合补中益气汤治疗可有效改善产后盆底功能障碍患者的盆底肌力和阴道压力,达到良好的临床疗效,有利于预防盆腔器官脱垂、尿失禁的发生,改善其性生活质量。     

盆底超声评价在妊娠妇女盆底结构、功能以及预后上的价值

为探究盆底超声检查评估分析不同的分娩方式对女性晚期妊娠和产后盆底结构、功能及预后效果的影响,本研究选取收治的100例顺利生产的孕妇作为本实验研究对象,根据分娩方式的不同将其分为自然分娩组与剖宫产组,各组50例。在两组孕妇妊娠晚期和产后分别通过盆底超声检测盆底结构和功能(膀胱旋转角,尿道膀胱后角,肛提肌裂孔面积和肛提肌裂孔周长);以及在产后第6~8周和盆底康复治疗后进行压力性尿失禁发生率调查问卷表填写及护垫实验。研究发现,阴道自然分娩比选择性剖宫产对妊娠晚期和产后孕妇盆底结构和功能造成的损伤更为显著;盆底损伤较严重的孕妇压力性尿失禁程度同样较严重;而盆底康复治疗成功的压力性尿失禁患者,盆底超声检测发现孕妇产后盆底结构和功能得到有效改善。本研究结果说明,盆底超声评价在检测不同分娩方式对妊娠晚期和产后孕妇的盆底结构、功能及预后存在一定的预测和预防作用。     

Changes in Muscularis Propria of Anterior Vaginal Wall in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological and immunohistochemical alterations of tissue removed from the upper third of anterior vaginal wall in a sample group of the female population presenting homogenous risk factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The case study consisted of 14 patients with POP and there were 10 patients in the control group. Patient selection was carried on the basis of specific criteria and all of the patients involved in the study presented one or more of the recognized POP risk factors. Samples were taken from POP patients during vaginal plastic surgery following colpohysterectomy, and from control patients during closure of the posterior fornix following hysterectomy. Samples were processed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses for Collagen I and Collagen III, α-Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA), Platelet-Derived-Growth-Factor (PDGF), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), tissue inhibitors metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), Caspase3. Immunofluorescence analyses for Collagen I and III and PDGF were also carried out. In prolapsed specimens our results show a disorganization of smooth muscle cells that appeared to have been displaced by an increased collagen III deposition resulting in rearrangement of the muscularis propria architecture. These findings suggest that the increase in the expression of collagen fibers in muscularis could probably be due to a phenotypic switch resulting in the dedifferentiation of smooth muscle cells into myofibroblasts. These alterations could be responsible for the compromising of the dynamic functionality of the pelvic floor.Key words: Pelvic organ prolapse, immunohistochemistry, smooth muscle cells, collagen, PDGF     

经利用网片的前盆底重建术治疗重度盆腔器官脱垂的临床疗效

目的:探讨经利用网片的前盆底重建术治疗重度盆腔器官脱垂的临床效果。方法:选取2013年1月-2015年3月我院妇科收治的以前中盆腔联合缺陷为主的盆底障碍性疾病患者39例(POP-Q分度III-IV度)。实施经阴道Avaulta前盆腔重建术,24例切除子宫,9例保留子宫,其中6例因中盆腔重度脱垂联合行阴道残端骶棘韧带固定术,2例合并尿失禁同时行经尿道无张力悬吊术。术后随访12-25月,根据盆腔脏器脱垂评分(POP-Q)测量及PFIQ-7评分进行客观评价及主观感受评价进行中短期的临床效果分析。结果:39例患者手术过程顺利,术后无严重并发症,POP-Q评分均较术前显著降低,客观疗效理想。术后阴道前壁及子宫、阴道穹窿脱垂等症状显著改善;到目前为止无一例复发。结论:经阴道前盆腔重建术治疗前盆腔重度盆腔脱垂为主以及合并尿失禁等复杂情况的并发症少,治愈率高,复发率低,临床效果好。     

Expression of gelatinases and their tissue inhibitors in rat corpus luteum during pregnancy and postpartum

Extensive tissue remodeling occurs in the corpus luteum (CL) during both formation and luteolysis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are believed to play pivotal roles in these processes. In the present study, to evaluate the potential roles of matrix degrading proteases in luteal development and regression, we examined gelatinases and TIMP-1, -2, -3 mRNA expressions, as well as gelatinase activity in rat CL during pregnancy and postpartum using Northern blot, in situ hybridization, and gelatin zymography, respectively. The results showed that MMP-2 mRNA was only expressed at the early stages of pregnancy; TIMP-2 mRNA was highly expressed at the early and late pregnancy and day 1 postpartum, but could not be detected during the mid-phase of pregnancy; TIMP-3 mRNA expression was abundant during early pregnancy and peaked at day 7, but was absent from other time points examined. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNAs in rat CL were below detectable level in the current study. Furthermore, the active MMP-2 was only present during the early stages of pregnancy, and no MMP-9 activity was observed in the zymogram. Taken together, our results suggest that MMP-2 and TIMP-3 may have functional roles in rat luteal formation, while TIMP-2 may be implicated in both formation and regression of the pregnant CL.     

Local oestrogen therapy modulates extracellular matrix and immune response in the vaginal tissue of post‐menopausal women with severe pelvic organ prolapse

This study investigates the effect of local oestrogen therapy (LET) on the expression of proteins participating in collagen/elastin biogenesis and immune markers in vaginal tissues of post‐menopausal women with severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Vaginal biopsies were collected from the anterior vaginal wall of informed and consented 52 post‐menopausal women with severe POP undergoing total hysterectomy. Twenty‐nine of the 52 women were treated with LET (in the form of vaginal oestrogen cream or tablet), while the remaining 23 untreated patients served as the controls. This study was approved by Sinai Health System REB. Vaginal tissue specimens were analysed for gene and protein expression using real‐time RT‐PCR and Luminex assays, protein localization and immune cell infiltration were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Forty‐four cytokines were detected. We found that LET application: (a) significantly increased (P < 0.05) gene and protein expression levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) structural proteins, collagen and elastin, as well as the expression of ECM maturation enzyme BMP1; (b) decreased protein expression level of ECM degradation enzymes MMP1, MMP2 and MMP3 accompanied by an increase in their tissue inhibitors, TIMP1 and TIMP4; (c) significantly increased (P < 0.05) the gene and protein expression levels of 14 vaginal cytokines involved in leucocyte infiltration, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Our results indicate that LET plays an important role in the activation of immune system within the local vaginal environment, limiting the undesirable ECM degradation, which supports the strengthening of vaginal ECM in post‐menopausal women, therefore resisting menopause/age‐related changes and inducing urogenital tract tissue regeneration.     

Regional Variation in Tissue Composition and Biomechanical Properties of Postmenopausal Ovine and Human Vagina

Objective

There are increasing numbers of reports describing human vaginal tissue composition in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to compare ovine and human posterior vaginal tissue in terms of histological and biochemical tissue composition and to assess passive biomechanical properties of ovine vagina to further characterise this animal model for pelvic organ prolapse research.

Study Design

Vaginal tissue was collected from ovariectomised sheep (n = 6) and from postmenopausal women (n = 7) from the proximal, middle and distal thirds. Tissue histology was analyzed using Masson''s Trichrome staining; total collagen was quantified by hydroxyproline assays, collagen III/I+III ratios by delayed reduction SDS PAGE, glycosaminoglycans by dimethylmethylene blue assay, and elastic tissue associated proteins (ETAP) by amino acid analysis. Young''s modulus, maximum stress/strain, and permanent strain following cyclic loading were determined in ovine vagina.

Results

Both sheep and human vaginal tissue showed comparable tissue composition. Ovine vaginal tissue showed significantly higher total collagen and glycosaminoglycan values (p<0.05) nearest the cervix. No significant differences were found along the length of the human vagina for collagen, GAG or ETAP content. The proximal region was the stiffest (Young''s modulus, p<0.05), strongest (maximum stress, p<0.05) compared to distal region, and most elastic (permanent strain).

Conclusion

Sheep tissue composition and mechanical properties showed regional differences along the postmenopausal vaginal wall not apparent in human vagina, although the absolute content of proteins were similar. Knowledge of this baseline variation in the composition and mechanical properties of the vaginal wall will assist future studies using sheep as a model for vaginal surgery.     

Dynamic in vivo changes in the activities of gelatinases, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) uterine luminal fluid during estrous cycle and early pregnancy

In ruminants, the phenomenon of endometrial tissue remodeling during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy is not fully understood. In this report, the occurrence of tissue remodeling, if any, in buffalo endometrium was studied by detecting gelatinases, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs); the key regulators of tissue remodeling, in uterine luminal fluids (ULF) of cycling and early pregnant (approx. 43–65 days) buffaloes. Each stage of the estrous cycle and pregnant ULF demonstrated a unique profile of gelatinase activities compared to serum/follicular fluid, with a major gelatinase band of 60 kDa with highest activity in early‐luteal stage. In addition to a 32 kDa uterus‐specific gelatinase band detected in both non‐pregnant and pregnant ULFs, the pregnant ULF displayed three new gelatinase bands of 86, 78, and 57 kDa. Western blot technique confirmed the presence of MMP‐2 (54 kDa), MMP‐9 (76/73 kDa), TIMP‐1 (32 kDa), TIMP‐2(20 kDa), and two molecular weight forms (31 and 22 kDa) of TIMP‐3 in buffalo ULF with varying band intensities. Highest MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activities were observed in follicular and early‐luteal stage ULFs, respectively. Highest TIMP‐1 activity was observed in early‐luteal ULF. Interestingly, TIMP‐2 activity was only detected in mid‐luteal, late‐luteal, and follicular stage ULFs with significantly increasing intensities. Highest activities of 31 and 22 kDa TIMP‐3 were associated with late‐luteal and early‐luteal stage ULFs, respectively. The varied activities of MMPs and TIMPs in buffalo ULF during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy might be a reflection of dynamic structural remodeling of the endometrium and/or developing conceptus. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77:944–953, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Increased MMPs expression and decreased contraction in the rat myometrium during pregnancy and in response to prolonged stretch and sex hormones

Normal pregnancy is associated with uterine relaxation to accommodate the stretch imposed by the growing fetus; however, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between pregnancy-associated uterine stretch and uterine relaxation are unclear. We hypothesized that increased uterine stretch during pregnancy is associated with upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which in turn cause inhibition of myometrium contraction and promote uterine relaxation. Uteri from virgin, midpregnant (day 12), and late-pregnant rats (day 19) were isolated, and myometrium strips were prepared for measurement of isometric contraction and MMP expression and activity using RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and gelatin zymography. Oxytocin caused concentration-dependent contraction of myometrium strips that was reduced in mid- and late-pregnant rats compared with virgin rats. Pretreatment with the MMP inhibitors SB-3CT (MMP-2/MMP-9 Inhibitor IV), BB-94 (batimastat), or Ro-28-2653 (cipemastat) enhanced contraction in myometrium of pregnant rats. RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and gelatin zymography demonstrated increased mRNA expression, protein amount, and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in myometrium of late-pregnant>midpregnant>virgin rats. Prolonged stretch of myometrium strips of virgin rats under 8 g basal tension for 18 h was associated with reduced contraction and enhanced expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9, which were reversed by MMP inhibitors. Concomitant treatment of stretched myometrium of virgin rats with 17β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), or E2+P4 was associated with further reduction in contraction and increased MMP expression and activity. MMP-2 and MMP-9 caused significant reduction of oxytocin-induced contraction of myometrium of virgin rat. Thus, normal pregnancy is associated with reduced myometrium contraction and increased MMPs expression and activity. The results are consistent with the possibility that myometrium stretch and concomitant increase in sex hormones during pregnancy are associated with increased expression/activity of specific MMPs, which in turn inhibit uterine contraction and promote uterine relaxation.