Cervical dilatation by Lamicel--studies on the mechanism of action

Abstract

Lamicel is a synthetic hydrophilic polymer tent which produces cervical softening and dilatation when inserted into the endocervical canal. To investigate the mechanism of action of Lamicel, the intrauterine pressure and levels of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, 13-14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha, oestradiol and progesterone in plasma and amniotic fluid were measured in patients undergoing second trimester abortion. There was no significant change in any of the measured hormones during a 2-h treatment with Lamicel, but uterine activity increased significantly for 10 min after insertion, then settled spontaneously to below pre-treatment levels. Peripheral plasma levels of magnesium sulphate measured in patients undergoing first trimester abortion were not significantly raised after insertion of Lamicel. Light microscopic examination of cervical specimens, obtained at hysterectomy from patients pre-treated with Lamicel for 24 h, revealed minimum increase in vascularity, mast cell population and ground substance mucopolysaccharides.

PIP: Lamicel is a synthetic hydrophilic polymer tent which produces cervical softening and dilatation when inserted into the endocervical canal. To investigate the mechanism of action of Lamicel, the intrauterine pressure and levels of 6-keto-prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), 13-14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2alpha, estradiol, and progesterone in plasma and amniotic fluid were measured in patients undergoing 2nd trimester abortion. There was no significant change in any of the measured hormones during a 2 hour treatment with Lamicel, but uterine activity increased significantly for 10 minutes after insertion, then settled spontaneously to below pretreatment levels. Peripheral plasma levels of magnesium sulphate measured in patients undergoing 1st trimester abortion were not significantly raised after Lamicel insertion. Light microscopic examination of cervical specimens, obtained at hysterectomy from pretreated patients with Lamicel for 24 hours, revealed minimum increases in vascularity, mast cell population, and ground substance mucopolysaccharides.