title: Structure of human cervical mucus from light scattering measurements.
abstract: Using laser light scattering, photon correlation and spectral analysis, it was shown that cervical mucus is a non-Newtonian Hydrogel with large meshes (approximately 5 microns). The experimental results are in agreement with a model of hydrogel with weak linkages and are definitely not compatible with a model of entangled macromolecules. Large oscillations, induced by both thermal and mechanical excitation, have been observed in this medium, probably due to its non-Newtonian character.
authors.affiliation: Université Paris V, Laboratoire de diffusion inélastique de la lumière, U.E.R.-E.M.B., France.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Volochine
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Cazabat
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Chretien
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kuntsmann
mesh_terms: D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011827:Radiation; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D046911:Macromolecular Substances