Cervical fluid

Synthetic fluid mediums, for use in in vitro studies, have been developed to simulate certain properties of vaginal and cervical fluids [20,34], and their compositions are detailed in Table 21.3 and Table 21.4, respectively. 

Other actions of estrogen include fluid retention, protein anabolism, thinning of the cervical mucus, and the inhibition or facilitation of ovulation. Estrogens contribute to the conservation of calcium and phosphorus, the growth of pubic and axillary hair, and pigmentation of the breast nipples and genitals. Estrogens also stimulate contraction of the fallopian tubes (which promotes movement of the ovum), modify the physical and chemical properties of the cervical mucus, and restore the endometrium after menstruation. 

Hyperstimulation of the uterus during labor may lead to uterine Many with marked impairment of the uteroplacental blood flow, uterine rupture, cervical rupture, amniotic fluid embolism, and trauma to the infant. Overstimulation of the uterus is dangerousto both the fetusand the mother and may occur even when the drug is administered properly in a uterus that is hypersensitive to oxytocin. 

The most significant mechanism for primary dysmenorrhea is the release of prostaglandins in the menstrual fluid and possibly vasopressin-mediated vasoconstriction.5,17 Causes of secondary dysmenorrhea may include cervical stenosis, endometriosis, pelvic infections, pelvic congestion syndrome, uterine or cervical polyps, and uterine fibroids.20... 

Researches have developed methods to test for HIV and estimate the amounts of infectious virus present in various body fluids and secretions. HIV can be isolated relatively easily from blood, semen, and vaginal/cervical secretions (including menstrual fluid). When blood and semen are examined closely, the great majority of HIV is associated with infected cells (mostly macrophages) present in these fluids. In blood, if the cells are removed, low levels of HIV are present in the cell-free serum. It has also been isolated from breast milk. With much greater difficulty, the virus has on occasion been isolated from saliva, tears, urine, perspiration, and feces. 

Secretory epithelia control transport of water and solutes from the subluminal compartment (blood) into the lumen or body exterior. At present, there is no single unifying model for transepithelial fluid or water transport. In some epithelia, transcellular routes of fluid transport via water channels may predominate [88a], However, in other types of epithelia, such as the cervical-vaginal epithelia, transport of fluids usually occurs via the paracellular route [1, 14], In the latter, movement of fluid can be driven by three main mechanisms (Figure 15.1C) ... 

Gorodeski GI and Goldfarb J [1998] Seminal fluid factor increases the resistance of the tight junctional complex of the cultured human cervical epithelium CaSki. Fertil Steril 69 309-317... 

The activity of the enzyme in cancer tissue has been measured,11 and changes in its activity in vaginal fluid have been examined as a possible diagnostic aid in cervical cancer.29 Low levels in human tissues have been associated with a storage disorder resembling Hurler s syndrome.18,183... 

TABLE 1 Main Features of Vaginal Fluid Simulant0 and Synthetic Cervical Mucus4... 

Vaginal Fluid Simulant Synthetic Cervical Mucus... 

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