The Examination of Leptin Receptors, Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 and -9 and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in the Rat Cervix

During pregnancy, the cervix undergoes structural changes to accommodate the passage of the newborn at parturition. These physiological changes involve hormonal influences that regulate enzymes involved in collagenolysis and degradation of the extracellular components of the cervix. One hormone that has recently become of interest in the physiology of reproduction is leptin. Leptin was recently shown to enhance cervical collagenolysis and elasticity. As a result, the objective of this thesis was to determine if leptin receptors are present in the cervix and whether leptin has a role in regulating two metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and -9), enzymes known to be involved in collagenolysis. Furthermore, the expression of these metalloproteinase enzymes and their associated inhibitors was examined. Results reported herein show that three of five leptin receptor isoforms are present in the pregnant rat cervix and the signaling form is upregulated in the latter part of pregnancy. The gene expressions of MMP-2 and -9 were found to fluctuate during pregnancy with up-regulation of the MMPs in the last few days of pregnancy. Additional experiments showed that MMP-2 is decreased by progesterone whereas MMP-9 activity increases and TIMP-1 decreases in response to leptin treatment. These findings suggest a role for leptin receptors and MMP-2 and -9 in cervical physiology during pregnancy.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Animal Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Rivera, Alexander

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bahr, Janice M.

• Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3160944

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83576