Mechanics of cervical remodelling: insights from rodent models of pregnancy

摘要: The uterine cervix undergoes a complex remodelling process during pregnancy, characterized by dramatic changes in both extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and mechanical properties. Understanding the cervical term or preterm birth will aid efforts for prevention of births (PTBs), which currently affect 14.8 million babies annually worldwide. Animal models particularly rodents, continue to provide valuable insights into process, through study ECM properties at defined gestation time points. Currently, there is lack collective, quantitative framework relate complex, nonlinear behaviour rodent structure. This review aims fill this gap knowledge outlining current understanding pregnancy context solid biomechanics. Here we highlight collective contribution multiple studies give evidence that softening coincides with known throughout pregnancy. Taken together, tests on tissue from pregnant rodents reveal cervix's remarkable ability soften dramatically allow compliant can withstand damage dissipate loads.