title: PZ-peptidase activity in the pregnant and non-pregnant human cervix.
abstract: PZ-peptidase activity was determined in homogenates of cervical tissue from non-pregnant women, women in late pregnancy and women immediately after delivery. There was a significant increase in activity in late pregnancy and a further increase in post-delivery specimens when compared with non-pregnant tissue. A possible link between rising prostaglandin levels and cervical softening is suggested.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000201:enzymology*; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D010450:Endopeptidases; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; C022510:thimet oligopeptidase