Influence of prostaglandin D2 on the biosynthesis of connective tissue constituents in the pregnant human cervix.

Uterine cervical tissue was obtained from pregnant women undergoing abortion or caesarean section. The tissue was incubated in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing prostaglandin (PG) E2 and radioactive precursors for collagen (3H proline) and proteoglycans (3H glucosamine). After incubation the tissue-bound radioactivity was determined and related to the tissue dry weight. The effect of PGE1 on the net tissue radiolabelling varied with the gestational age and with the cervical status at operation. In early 1st trimester PGE2 increased the labelling with 3H proline but decreased that with 3H glucosamine. From the 12th week of gestation until term pregnancy conditions were reversed, i.e. the incorporation of 3H proline was reduced and that of 3H glucosamine was augmented following treatment with PGE2. After start of labour and rupture of the membrane, however, PGE2 diminished the labelling with 3H proline as well as 3H glucosamine. It is suggested that PGE2 is a modulator of biochemical events which underlie cervical ripening.