The @entity1 uterine cervix is a fibrous organ with a high connective tissue content. An extensive remodeling of the connective tissue prior to parturition, i.e., cervical ripening, requires the presence of proteolytic enzymes. The exact mechanism of cervical ripening has not been clarified. We evaluated in vivo distribution and expression of @entity5379 ( @entity1476 and @entity1495 ) in the @entity1 cervix at term pregnancy and immediately after parturition compared with the nonpregnant state. Cervical biopsies were obtained from term pregnant, postpartum, and nonpregnant @entity1 . @entity1476 and @entity1495 proteins were localized by immunohistochemistry. Messenger RNA levels of @entity1476 and @entity1495 were evaluated by relative quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using an invariable internal standard. The mRNA levels of @entity1476 and @entity1495 were increased in the cervix at term pregnancy and postpartum compared with the nonpregnant state. Cervical stromal fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells were identified as main sources of @entity1476 , whereas the @entity1495 protein was observed exclusively in invading leukocytes. These data indicate the involvement of @entity1476 and @entity1495 in the cervical ripening process.

Increased level of @entity5379 in the ripening process of the XXXX cervix.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'human'] @entity5379 :: ('4313;4318', 'Gene') :: ['matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9'] @entity1495 :: ('4318', 'Gene') :: ['MMP-9'] @entity1476 :: ('4313', 'Gene') :: ['MMP-2']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['human']
