Cervical remodeling (CR) is a complex process, among other things, associated with collagen dissociation, increase in edema and tissue mass, and is loosely categorized in four overlapping, but uniquely regulated stages. Our knowledge on the role of the microvasculature and the underlying mechanisms in this process (CR) is incomplete. VEGF, a potent vascular permeability factor, mitogen and key angiogenic architect, has been shown to mediate edema and cellular proliferation in several tissue types. Our lab has previously characterized expression of VEGF and its receptors in the cervix, and identified VEGF-regulated genes during CR using DNA microarray. Here, we use various techniques, serum protein tracking dye (Evans Blue), VEGF agents and rodents and show that VEGF likely plays a role in CR, in part, by inducing expression of tight junction genes, vascular permeability, serum protein tissue infiltration, edema and epithelial cell growth
