Abstract
The remodeling of the cervix from a closed rigid structure to one that can open sufficiently for passage of a term infant is achieved by a complex series of molecular events that in large part are regulated by the steroid hormones progesterone and estrogen. Among hormonal influences, progesterone exerts a dominant role for most of pregnancy to initiate a loss of tissue strength yet maintain competence in a phase termed softening. Equally important are the molecular events that abrogate progesterone function in late pregnancy to allow a loss of tissue competence and strength during cervical ripening and dilation. In this review, we focus on current understanding by which progesterone receptor signaling for the majority of pregnancy followed by a loss/shift in progesterone receptor action at the end of pregnancy, collectively ensure cervical remodeling as necessary for successful parturition.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 106137 |
Journal | Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Volume | 223 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2022 |
Keywords
- Cervical remodeling
- Cervix and cervical ripening
- Pregnancy
- Preterm birth
- Progesterone
- Progesterone receptor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Cell Biology