| Abstract: | In order to study the hormonal control mechanisms of cervical maturation, we investigated cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors-induced changes in the distribution of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in pregnant Wistar rat uterine cervices at term. The GAG were measured in a control (n=11), in a Diclofenac (cyclooxygenase inhibitor) treated group (n=8), in a BW 755C (dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase treated group (n=6), and a L 651392 (5-lipoxygenase inhibitor) treated group (n=9). The results of these studies suggest, that cervical hyaluronic acid metabolism and cervical hydration are controlled in association by prostaglandins and leukotrienes (and perhaps by other phospholipids metabolites), whereas heparan sulphate metabolism is obviously controlled by prostaglandins. Nevertheless complete and normal cervical maturation is probably controlled in association by arachidonic acid metabolites and other factors (steroids and peptides). |
