Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate on uterine cervical ripening in late pregnancy
Mochizuki, M.; Maruo, T.
Acta Physiologica Hungarica 65(3): 267-274
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0231-424X PMID: 2990160 Document Number: 266908
To elucidate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) on softening and dilatation of the uterine cervix, changes of estriol, 17.beta.-estradiol and progesterone levels in serum and cervix. Bishop score and collagenase activity in the cervical tissue were assessed in pregnant women before and after treatment with DHAS. 17.beta.-Estradiol level in the serum and cervical tissue markedly increased after the administration of DHAS, while estriol level remained unchanged. Serum progesterone level did not change in the majority of cases, while decreased within several hours in patients in whom delivery was accomplished within 24 h after the administration of DHAS. Among the factors connected with the Bishop score, effacement and consistency of the cervix were remarkably improved by DHAS administration. Total collagenase activity in the cervical tissue of patients treated with DHAS was elevated by an average of 152%. Apparently, DHAS is potent in ripening the uterine cervix through an activation of collagenase activity induced by the enhanced conversion to 17.beta.-estradiol. Thus, DHAS administration in the late stage of pregnancy is valuable in prepartal treatment for induction of labor.