The physical character and amount of mucus secreted by the endocervix changes dramatically at midcycle to facilitate the reproductive process. Mucins expressed by the endocervical epithelium contribute to this all-important physiologic event. This review summarizes work from our laboratory demonstrating the @entity3558 gene expression profile of cervical epithelium and @entity3558 levels in cervical mucus through the menstrual cycle. mRNA levels of the gel-forming @entity3558 @entity5090 , the major gel-forming @entity3558 expressed by the endocervical epithelium, peak before midcycle and the amount of @entity5090 protein per unit total protein in cervical mucus peaks at midcycle. Message levels for @entity5088 , a major membrane-spanning @entity3558 of the endocervix, peak at midcycle, but protein levels of @entity5088 in @entity1 cervical mucus have not been measured. Message for each @entity3558 diminishes dramatically as @entity1420 levels increase in the blood. These data suggest hormonal regulation of the two @entity3558 genes in the endocervix, but there is no information on their regulation at the biosynthetic level via genomic hormone response elements. Perhaps, through its hydrophilicity, the @entity5090 @entity3558 holds water in place at the endocervical canal surface at midcycle, keeping the canal patent for sperm motility. A second potential role of the increased mucins at midcycle is to protect the cervix and uterus at the time when increased water is secreted into the cervical canal to facilitate sperm penetrance. Pathogens and other seminal fluid components may be excluded from entering the uterus by @entity3558 trapping. Studies to determine the mechanism of hormonal regulation of mucins as well as the function of individual mucins are needed.

Mucins of the XXXX endocervix.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['human'] @entity1420 :: ('MESH:D011374', 'Chemical') :: ['progesterone'] @entity5090 :: ('727897', 'Gene') :: ['MUC5B'] @entity3558 :: ('100508689', 'Gene') :: ['mucin'] @entity5088 :: ('4585', 'Gene') :: ['MUC4']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['human']
