In vivo Raman spectral analysis of impaired cervical remodeling in a mouse model of delayed parturition.

ABSTRACT: Monitoring cervical structure and composition during pregnancy has high potential for prediction of preterm birth (PTB), a problem affecting 15 million newborns annually. We use in vivo Raman spectroscopy, a label-free, light-based method that provides a molecular fingerprint to non-invasively investigate normal and impaired cervical remodeling. Prostaglandins stimulate uterine contractions and are clinically used for cervical ripening during pregnancy. Deletion of cyclooxygenase-1 (Cox-1), an enzyme involved in production of these prostaglandins, results in delayed parturition in mice. Contrary to expectation, Cox-1 null mice displayed normal uterine contractility; therefore, this study sought to determine whether cervical changes could explain the parturition differences in Cox-1 null mi

SUBMITTER: O'Brien CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5533720 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature