Tissue injury and repair in the female human reproductive tract

Reproduction. 2003 Mar;125(3):301-11. doi: 10.1530/rep.0.1250301.

Abstract

The female reproductive tract is unique in its capacity to remodel constantly throughout adult life. Some of the remodelling events that occur naturally in the uterus, specifically menstruation, parturition, endometrial regeneration and uterine involution, have features in common with events of tissue injury and repair in other tissues, where they may occur after injury or in association with various pathologies. This review draws comparisons between the normally occurring tissue 'injury' and repair in the reproductive tract and that occurring elsewhere.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Activins / physiology
  • Animals
  • Cytokines / physiology
  • Endometrium / physiology
  • Endothelin-1 / physiology
  • Female
  • Growth Substances / physiology
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes / physiology
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism
  • Menstruation / physiology*
  • Postpartum Period / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Regeneration
  • Uterus / physiology*
  • Wound Healing / physiology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / pathology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Endothelin-1
  • Growth Substances
  • Activins
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases