Hormonal Control of the Cervix in Pregnant Gilts. III. Relaxin's Influence on Cervical Biochemical Properties in Ovariectomized Hormone-Treated Pregnant Gilts*

The effects of relaxin on the biochemical properties of both the uterine and vaginal portions of the cervix were examined between days 80-110 of pregnancy in ovariectomized gilts given progesterone to maintain pregnancy. In the cervix of control gilts and those ovariectomized and given progesterone plus relaxin, wet and dry weights, water content, and the glycosaminoglycan/collagen ratio increased between days 80-110 of gestation. Collagen concentrations based on wet or dry weight and glycosaminoglycan concentrations based on wet weight decreased during this period. After ovariectomy, there were no changes in these cervical connective tissue components when relaxin was not given. The glycosaminoglycans hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, and dermatan sulfate were found in the cervices of all treatment groups, with dermatan sulfate predominating. The ratio of the individual glycosaminoglycans did not change during pregnancy or with treatment. The major dermatan sulfate proteoglycan from the pig cervix was isolated and found to be similar in size, immunoreactivity, amino acid composition, and amino acid sequence to the major dermatan sulfate proteoglycans isolated from the cervices of other mammals. It is concluded that the relaxin-induced changes in the connective tissue composition of the cervix may contribute at least in part to increased extensibility and growth of the cervix during the last third of gestation in pigs.