Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the cervical mucus plug at term of pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to evaluate the presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors in the cervical mucus plug obtained during active labor at term.


METHODS
Cervical mucus plugs from 17 healthy women in normal active labor were homogenized, extracted, and analyzed by 4 different assays.


RESULTS
Gelatin zymography revealed large amounts of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and triple-helical collagen degradation demonstrated collagenase activity (MMP-8). Reverse zymography showed that tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2 are detectable in the cervical mucus plug. Quantification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed the presence of MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that proteolytic or nonproteolytic effects of MMP and TIMP may play a part in the function of the cervical mucus plug of pregnancy.
Becher
Naja
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skejby University Hospital, University of Aarhus, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. nbecher@dadlnet.dk
Hein
Merete
M
Danielsen
Carl Christian
CC
Uldbjerg
Niels
N
D000328:Adult; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000502:physiology*; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000032:analysis; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / Q000032:analysis; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000032:analysis; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000032:analysis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000032:analysis*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9