Material properties of mouse cervical tissue in normal gestation.

摘要: Abstract An appropriately timed cervical remodeling process is critical for a healthy delivery, yet little known about the material property changes of cervix in pregnancy because obtaining human tissue samples difficult. Rodent models offer advantages including accurately pregnant tissues and genetically altered models. Determining properties mouse cervix, however, challenging its small size complex geometry. The aim this study to quantify normal using microstructurally-inspired porous fiber composite model. We mechanically test intact, whole, gestation-timed by pulling apart tensioned sutures through inner canal. To interpret our mechanical testing results, we conduct an inverse finite element analysis, taking into account combined loading state thick-walled cylindrical tissue. fit model previous osmotic swelling data load-deformation from nonlinear optimization scheme, validate predicting separate set deformation data. Overall, proposed captures behavior large deformation. evolution parameters indicates that pregnancy, begins soften between day 6 12 19-day gestation period. parameter associated with collagen stiffness decreases 3.4 MPa at 9.7e−4 MPa 18, while ground substance 2.6e−1 MPa 7.0e−4 MPa. Statement Significance Accelerated can lead extremely premature births. Little known, are limited. overcome limitation provide access samples. Measuring due Here, establish experimental modeling framework. use framework determine throughout pregnancy. present methods intact show