Hyaluronan and its binding proteins during cervical ripening and parturition: dynamic changes in size, distribution and temporal sequence.
The uterine cervix undergoes changes during pregnancy and labor that transform it from a closed, rigid, collagen dense structure to one that is distensible, has a disorganized collagen matrix, and dilates sufficiently to allow birth. To protect the reproductive tract from exposure to the external environment, the cervix must be rapidly altered to a closed, undistensible structure after birth. Preparturition remodeling is characterized by increased synthesis of hyaluronan, decreased expression of collagen assembly genes and increased distribution of inflammatory cells into the cervical matrix. Postpartum remodeling is characterized by decreased hyaluronan (HA) content, increased expression of genes involved in assembly of mature collagen and inflammation. The focus of this study is to advance our understanding of functions HA plays in this dynamic process through characterization of HA size, structure and binding proteins in the mouse cervix. Changes in size and structure of HA before and after birth were observed as well as cell specific expression of HA binding proteins. CD44 expression is localized to the pericellular matrix surrounding the basal epithelia and on immune cells while inter alpha trypsin inhibitor (IalphaI) and versican are localized to the stromal matrix. Colocalization of HA and IalphaI is most pronounced after birth. Upregulation of the versican degrading protease, ADAMTS1 occurs in the cervix prior to birth. These studies suggest that HA has multiple, cell specific functions in the cervix that may include modulation of tissue structure and integrity, epithelial cell migration and differentiation, and inflammatory responses.
Ruscheinsky
Monika
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9032, United States.
De la Motte
Carol
C
Mahendroo
Mala
M
D051722:ADAM Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D000071097:ADAMTS1 Protein; D000510:Alpha-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D020070:Cervical Ripening / Q000378:metabolism; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000378:metabolism*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D008970:Molecular Weight; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000378:metabolism; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D053675:Versicans / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D000510:Alpha-Globulins; C476399:Cd44 protein, mouse; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D011498:Protein Precursors; D011509:Proteoglycans; C508323:Vcan protein, mouse; C061151:pre-alpha-trypsin inhibitor; D053675:Versicans; C011877:inter-alpha-inhibitor; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D051722:ADAM Proteins; D000071097:ADAMTS1 Protein; C486323:Adamts1 protein, mouse