Relationship of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and ripening of pregnant cervix / 第三军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective　To investigate whether matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was synthesized in pregnant cervix during parturition and its source and distribution. Methods　Cervical species (n=10, each weighing about 0.3 g) were taken from pregnant women immediately after delivery. Other cervical species (n=7) were served as negative control from those non-pregnant women but undergoing uterotomy due to other benign diseases. Immunohistochemical method (ABC) was carried out to detect the expression of MMP-9, with a monoclonal antibody against MMP-9. Results　Positive staining of MMP-9 was found in the cytoplasm of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) that had infiltrated into cervix or located in blood vessels of cervix. Scattered light positive staining were found in some interstitial cells of the cervix. No other cells including fibrocytes and lymphocytes were positive to MMP-9. No positive staining was found in control tissues. Conclusion　There are strong expressions of MMP-9 in pregnant cervix in term labor, derived mainly from infiltrated PMN. MMP-9 may be an important regulator in the process of cervical ripening.