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The physiological role of eicosanoids in controlling the form and function of the cervix

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Eicosanoids and Reproduction

Part of the book series: Advance in Eicosanoid Research ((AEIR,volume 1))

Abstract

In this chapter we will review the ‘ripening process’ that takes place in the stroma tissue of the human uterine cervix during pregnancy and labour. Our present knowledge about the role of eicosanoids in controlling this phenomenon will be presented by discussing evidence of a synthesis of eicosanoids in the human uterine cervix and by showing that many of the changes taking place in the uterine cervix during pregnancy can be induced pharmacologically by treatment with eicosanoids or by stimulation of their endogenous secretion. Finally, the delayed cervical ripening induced by inhibition of cylo-oxygenase will be reviewed. Our conclusion is that eicosanoids, together with other hormones most probably are involved in the connective tissue modification of the uterine cervix necessary for normal parturition. It is, however, less obvious if the effect on the scanty smooth muscle component is of physiological importance.

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Authors
  1. N. Uldbjerg
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  2. U. Ulmsten
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  3. G. Ekman
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Pharmacology Group, Medical Faculty, University of Southampton, UK

    Keith Hillier (Senior Lecturer) (Senior Lecturer)

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Uldbjerg, N., Ulmsten, U., Ekman, G. (1987). The physiological role of eicosanoids in controlling the form and function of the cervix. In: Hillier, K. (eds) Eicosanoids and Reproduction. Advance in Eicosanoid Research, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3215-9_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3215-9_8

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