Histochemical localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and its influence on contractile activity in the non-pregnant and pregnant human cervix.
The distribution of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was studied by immunofluorescence in cervical tissue of non-pregnant and pregnant women. VIP was localized in connection with blood vessels as well as among collagen fibres and smooth muscle cells. No difference was observed between non-pregnant and term pregnant women. The effect of VIP on cervical contractility was tested on isolated strips by superfusion in a tissue chamber. VIP inhibited contractions at 10(-8)-10(-6) M concentration, strips from term pregnant women responding more frequently at the lower concentration. It is suggested that VIP-containing neurons of the human cervix remain intact throughout pregnancy until term.
Bryman
I
I
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Göteborg, Sahlgrenska Hospital, Sweden.
Norström
A
A
Lindblom
B
B
Dahlström
A
A
D000818:Animals; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide