It is thought that prostagladins together with relaxin may induce cervical softening by inducing collagen breakdown within the tissues and/or by altering the GAG/proteogylcan composition. Collagen breakdown within the tissue would facilitate a higher degree of movement and stretch in the tissue which is required for softening. Similarly, an increase in the GAG content of the tissues stimulated by prostaglandin would result in a decrease in collagen fibril agglutination therefore reducing the stretch-resistance of the remaining collagen. | It is thought that prostagladins together with relaxin may induce cervical softening by inducing collagen breakdown within the tissues and/or by altering the GAG/proteogylcan composition. Collagen breakdown within the tissue would facilitate a higher degree of movement and stretch in the tissue which is required for softening. Similarly, an increase in the GAG content of the tissues stimulated by prostaglandin would result in a decrease in collagen fibril agglutination therefore reducing the stretch-resistance of the remaining collagen. |