The influence of prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors on collagen concentration in the rat uterine cervix.

The biochemical changes in the pregnant cervix near term after prostaglandin administration are still not well known. We investigated PGF2 alpha and PGE2 induced changes in collagen concentration in late pregnant rat cervix. The influence of cyclooxygenase and dual cyclo- and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors on collagen concentration in late pregnant rat cervix was also evaluated. Total collagen and its soluble fraction were measured in a population of 58 pregnant rats; treated with PGF2 alpha (n = 16), PGE2 (n = 11), Diclofenac (cyclooxygenase inhibitor) (n = 11), BW 755C (dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase) (n = 7) and controls (n = 13). The results of the study suggest that cervical collagen concentration is controlled at least in part by prostaglandins and leukotrienes.