Hyaluronidase modifies the biomechanical properties of the rat cervix and shortens the duration of labor independent of myometrial contractility

Benjamin D. Byers, Egle Bytautiene, Maged M. Costantine, Catalin S. Buhimschi, Irina Buhimschi, George R. Saade, Nima Goharkhay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of intracervical hyaluronidase on the biomechanical properties of the cervix and on uterine contractility. STUDY DESIGN: Sprague-Dawley rats (n=33, term day 22) were injected with hyaluronidase (100 IU) or saline solution on day 8 of gestation (n=8-9/group). On day 21, labor was induced with mifepristone (8 mg/rat). Injection-to-delivery times were recorded. Biomechanical properties of the cervix were assessed using stretch-tension analysis. Myometrial contractility was investigated in response to hyaluronidase (0.2-200 IU/mL), oxytocin (10-10M to 10 -5M), and potassium chloride (60 mM). RESULTS: Delivery times were shorter in the hyaluronidase group (P= .03). Cervices of the treated animals showed higher measures of elasticity and plasticity (P= .02 for both). Myometrial sensitivity to hyaluronidase, oxytocin, or potassium chloride was not affected by the cervical application of hyaluronidase (P>.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Cervical hyaluronidase treatment shortens labor and alters the biomechanical properties of the cervix, independent of the myometrium.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)596.e1-596.e5
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume203
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cervical ripening
  • Hyaluronidase
  • Labor
  • Myometrium

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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