Abstract
Adaptation of the uterus to the growing fetus necessitates remodelling of the uterine connective tissue. Proteoglycans, being a main constituent of the extracellular matrix, influence the physical properties of the tissue and play an important regulatory role for a number of functional events. The synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), the carboxyhydrate side chains of proteoglycans, in tissue from the lower uterine segment of term pregnant women was investigated in vitro by measurement of 35SO4 and [14C]glucosamine incorporation. Prostaglandin E2 and oestradiol-17 beta significantly increased the synthesis of sulphated GAGs but decreased the incorporation of [14C]glucosamine, while relaxin, prostaglandin F2 alpha and oxytocin had no significant effect. To further explore the influence of prostaglandin E2, tissue specimens were incubated with [14C]glucosamine and GAGs separated into three fractions on cetylpyridinium chloride cellulose micro columns. Prostaglandin E2 was found to significantly reduce the synthesis of components recovered in the glycoprotein and hyaluronate fractions, whereas synthesis of components in the sulphated GAG fraction was increased. The results indicate that prostaglandin E2 and oestradiol-17 beta have differential effects on different GAGs whereas relaxin, oxytocin and prostaglandin F2 alpha have no effect.
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