Collagenase activity in the cervix of non-pregnant and pregnant women

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Abstract
Cervical biopsies were obtained from non pregnant patients and from pregnant at various stages of gestation and during labour. The tissues were extract with a Ca++-containing buffer, and collagenase activity was determined in these extracts using a solid phase assay in which triple helical125I-labelled collagen was cleaved. Collagenase was detected in all samples but significantly elevated activity was only present in labour at 6–8 cm cervical dilatation. This provides direct evidence for the crucial role of specific collagen degradation during cervical ripening and dilatation.