EOSINOPHILS IN HUMAN CERVICAL RIPENING

Objective: Cervical ripening has many similarities to an inflammatory reaction. Eosinophil granulocytes are involved in several inflammatory responses. The objective was to investigate the presence of eosinophi ls in human cervix uteri during different conditions. Study design: Ce rvical biopsies were obtained from non-pregnant (n = 6), women in earl y pregnancy (n = 11) and from three groups of women at term: spontaneo us vaginal deliveries (n = 5); vaginal deliveries after pretreatment w ith Prostaglandin E(2) (n = 7); and from women who underwent planned C aesarean section (n = 7). Immunohistochemical staining for eosinophil granulocytes (ECP, EG(2)) were performed. The biopsies were analysed b linded. Results: Eosinophils showing degranulation in the tissue were found in all specimens from vaginal deliveries. No eosinophils, or ver y few were seen in the biopsies from non-pregnant, early pregnant wome n or planned caesarean section. Prostaglandin treatment had no effect on the results. Conclusion: Eosinophils participate in cervical ripeni ng at term in women, and seem to arise mainly after labour. (C) 1997 E lsevier Science Ireland Ltd.