The Roles of Relaxin, Estrogen and Progesterone on Growth and Remodeling of the Cervix and Mammary Glands in the Gilt

We recently described relaxin-induced changes in physical and biochemical properties of the cervix that occur during the last third of the 115-day gestation period in the gilt. Histological changes in the cervix that occur between days 80 and 110 of pregnancy and the effects of relaxin on those changes were examined using morphometric analysis. Cervices obtained on day 110 differed markedly from those obtained on day 80; collagen and smooth muscle fiber bundles were less dense and lacked organization and there was an increase in amorphous ground substance. Those changes were found to be relaxin-dependent. We concluded that the relaxin-dependent changes in the histological characteristics of the cervix may contribute to the cervical softening that occurs during late pregnancy in gilts.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physiology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Winn, Robert James

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sherwood, O. David

• Biology, Animal Physiology
• Biophysics, General

Identifier

(UMI)AAI9503353

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/71460