Abstract
Objective
To examine the occurrence of the general neuronal marker protein gene product 9.5
(PGP 9.5) in the human corpus (isthmus region) and the cervix uteri during pregnancy
and parturition
Study design
Biopsies were taken from the upper edge of the hysterotomy during caesarean section
(CS) at term (n = 5), in labor (n = 5) and from the corresponding area in the non-pregnant uterus after hysterectomy (n = 5). Cervical biopsies were obtained transvaginally from the anterior cervical lip.
Serial cryostate sections were prepared for immunohistochemistry using polyclonal
antibodies to PGP 9.5.
Results
Nerve fibers displaying PGP 9.5 immunoreactivity were observed in all sections from
the three groups examined. They were identified in muscle tissue, in the stroma, and
around blood vessel walls. A 30-fold decline of immunoreactive nerve fibers was observed
in the isthmus part of the corpus uteri at term compared to the non-pregnant. There
were no significant differences between the immunoreactivity in the cervix uteri of
the three groups
Conclusions
The innervation of the cervix uteri is dense and unaltered throughout pregnancy and
labor. In contrast, the corpus is almost denervated. Further studies are needed to
clarify the reason and the impact of these findings.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 16,
2005
Received in revised form:
February 18,
2005
Received:
March 6,
2004
Identification
Copyright
© 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
