Abstract
Background: Hyaluronate plays an important role in the regulation of cervical function during parturition. In a previous study, we reported that 4-methylumbelliferone (MU) suppresses hyaluronate synthesis by cultured human skin fibroblasts. In the present study, the effect of MU on hyaluronate synthesis was investigated in cultured fibroblasts from the human uterine cervix. Methods: The cells were incubated with [ 3H]glucosamine in the presence of various concentrations of MU, and the effect of MU on hyaluronate synthesis was investigated. Then, the cells were preincubated in media that contained various concentrations of MU. After 72 h, the medium was removed and the cells were incubated with fresh medium containing [ 3H]glucosamine for 48 h. The amount of [ 3H]hyaluronate synthesized was measured. Results: MU added to the medium of cultured cells reduced the synthesis of hyaluronate in a dose-dependent manner. After MU was removed from the medium, hyaluronate synthesis recommenced and the amount of [ 3H]hyaluronate synthesized was similar to the control level. Conclusion: The MU-induced suppression of hyaluronate synthesis may contribute to the control of cervical ripening during human pregnancy.
Published Version
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