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Proliferation and apoptosis of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in rat uterine cervix throughout gestation and the effect of the antiprogesterone onapristone.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Leppert, PC
Published in: Am J Obstet Gynecol
April 1998

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relative percentages of apoptosis and proliferation in fibroblasts and cervical smooth muscles throughout gestation and the effect of an antiprogesterone on these processes. STUDY DESIGN: Rats were studied at days 5, 15, 18, and 21 and immediately postpartum (day 22). Apoptosis and proliferation as detected by specific immunohistochemistry quantitative morphometric analysis was performed. Onapristone, an antiprogesterone, was used to study effects of hormonal change on these processes in 16- and 19-day timed-pregnant rats. RESULTS: Proliferation of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells was highest in early pregnancy and decreased progressively, whereas apoptosis increased progressively in later pregnancy. Onapristone inhibited apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Changes in cervical cellular turnover are initiated early in gestation and are under hormonal influence. Antiprogesterone inhibits cell death at days 16 and 19 of gestation.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Am J Obstet Gynecol

DOI

ISSN

0002-9378

Publication Date

April 1998

Volume

178

Issue

4

Start / End Page

713 / 725

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Rats
  • Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen
  • Progesterone
  • Pregnancy
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Muscle, Smooth
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Hormone Antagonists
 
Journal cover image

Published In

Am J Obstet Gynecol

DOI

ISSN

0002-9378

Publication Date

April 1998

Volume

178

Issue

4

Start / End Page

713 / 725

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Rats
  • Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen
  • Progesterone
  • Pregnancy
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Muscle, Smooth
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Hormone Antagonists