acase@tulane.edu / Women’s reproductive health is a severely understudied field and is associated with an abundance of clinically significant pathologies such as pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and preterm birth (PTB). While the exact etiologies of these disorders are unknown, onset is understood to be predominately due to failure of the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. These failures are attributed to the suboptimal remodeling and maladaptive constituent turnover of the soft tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) including elastic fibers, collagen fibers, glycosaminoglycans / proteoglycans (GAGs/PGs), and smooth muscle cells. Both the vagina and the uterosacral ligament (USL) act as supportive structures that maintain the healthy state of the pelvic floor. Disruption of the elastic fiber and GAG metabolism within the extracellular matrix of these tissues has been suggested to result in the mechanical failure associated with pelvic floor disorders, however, the relationship between microstructure and mechanics is relatively unknown. Histological analysis paired with the biaxial testing of these pelvic floor supporting structures is an important step in providing additional insight into the specific structure-function mechanisms of these tissues. Therefore, the overall objective of this study is to establish a basic understanding of the structure and function of the extracellular matrix constituents within vital soft tissue (vagina, USL) of the murine and human pelvic floor. To elucidate the role of specific constituents, vaginal tissue from female mice in estrus were tested using an extension-inflation biaxial testing protocol pre and post digestion of both elastin and hyaluronan, the most abundant GAG in the extracellular matrix. The digestion of elastin (supported by histological area fraction analysis) resulted in a decreased compliance and an increased dilation of the vaginal wall. Results from the digestion of hyaluronan were inconclusive, as the mechanical response varied with treatment time. Finally, human uterosacral ligaments of postmenopausal, prolapsed patients were tested on a custom built planar biaxial device. This study revealed an inverse relationship between the mechanical stiffness parameters and the ratio of elastin to collagen within the USL. The present findings provide useful information to help understand the etiology behind POP, and help in the development of computational models for the prediction and assessment of observed microstructural changes associated with soft tissue failure. / 1 / Daniel Capone

Myocardial infarction activates the renin-angiotensin system, consequently upregulating aldosterone production that may stimulate pathological cardiac fibrosis via mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. Results presented in this thesis were derived from an in vitro experimental model using cultures of human cardiac fibroblasts to study the effect of aldosterone on elastin production. They first confirmed that treatment with 1-50 nM of aldosterone leads to a significant increase in collagen type I production via MR activation. Most importantly, we discovered that treatment with 1-50 nM of aldosterone also increases elastin mRNA levels, tropoelastin synthesis, and elastic fiber deposition. Strikingly, pretreatment with MR antagonist spironolactone did not eliminate aldosterone-induced increases in elastin production. Interestingly, while cultures treated with elevated aldosterone concentrations (100 nM and 1 µM) showed a further increase (~3.5-fold) in collagen and (~3-fold) in elastin mRNA levels, they demonstrated subsequent increases only in the net deposition of collagen but not elastin. In fact, cultures treated with elevated aldosterone concentrations displayed a striking decrease in the net deposition of insoluble elastin, which could be reversed with spironolactone or with MMP inhibitors doxycycline or GM6001. Most importantly, we discovered that the pro-elastogenic effect of aldosterone involves a rapid increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) and that the IGF-IR kinase inhibitor AG1024 or an anti-IGF-IR neutralizing antibody inhibits both IGF-I- and aldosterone-induced elastogenesis (Bunda et al., Am J Pathol. 171:809-819, 2007). Furthermore, we showed that the PI3 kinase signaling pathway propagates the elastogenic signal following IGF-IR activation and that activation of c-Src is an important prerequisite for aldosterone-dependent facilitation of the IGF-IR/PI3 kinase signaling. Results of explorative microarray analysis of 1 hour aldosterone-treated cultures revealed that aldosterone treatment upregulated expression of a heterotrimeric G protein, Gα13, that activates the PI3 kinase signaling pathway. We additionally demonstrated that aldosterone treatment transiently increases the interaction between Gα13 and c-Src and that siRNA-dependent elimination of Gα13 inhibited the pro-elastogenic effect of aldosterone. In summary, aldosterone, which stimulates collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts through the MR-dependent pathway, also increases elastogenesis via a parallel MR-independent pathway involving the activation of Gα13, c-Src, and IGF-IR/PI3 kinase signaling.

Myocardial infarction activates the renin-angiotensin system, consequently upregulating aldosterone production that may stimulate pathological cardiac fibrosis via mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. Results presented in this thesis were derived from an in vitro experimental model using cultures of human cardiac fibroblasts to study the effect of aldosterone on elastin production. They first confirmed that treatment with 1-50 nM of aldosterone leads to a significant increase in collagen type I production via MR activation. Most importantly, we discovered that treatment with 1-50 nM of aldosterone also increases elastin mRNA levels, tropoelastin synthesis, and elastic fiber deposition. Strikingly, pretreatment with MR antagonist spironolactone did not eliminate aldosterone-induced increases in elastin production. Interestingly, while cultures treated with elevated aldosterone concentrations (100 nM and 1 µM) showed a further increase (~3.5-fold) in collagen and (~3-fold) in elastin mRNA levels, they demonstrated subsequent increases only in the net deposition of collagen but not elastin. In fact, cultures treated with elevated aldosterone concentrations displayed a striking decrease in the net deposition of insoluble elastin, which could be reversed with spironolactone or with MMP inhibitors doxycycline or GM6001. Most importantly, we discovered that the pro-elastogenic effect of aldosterone involves a rapid increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) and that the IGF-IR kinase inhibitor AG1024 or an anti-IGF-IR neutralizing antibody inhibits both IGF-I- and aldosterone-induced elastogenesis (Bunda et al., Am J Pathol. 171:809-819, 2007). Furthermore, we showed that the PI3 kinase signaling pathway propagates the elastogenic signal following IGF-IR activation and that activation of c-Src is an important prerequisite for aldosterone-dependent facilitation of the IGF-IR/PI3 kinase signaling. Results of explorative microarray analysis of 1 hour aldosterone-treated cultures revealed that aldosterone treatment upregulated expression of a heterotrimeric G protein, Gα13, that activates the PI3 kinase signaling pathway. We additionally demonstrated that aldosterone treatment transiently increases the interaction between Gα13 and c-Src and that siRNA-dependent elimination of Gα13 inhibited the pro-elastogenic effect of aldosterone. In summary, aldosterone, which stimulates collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts through the MR-dependent pathway, also increases elastogenesis via a parallel MR-independent pathway involving the activation of Gα13, c-Src, and IGF-IR/PI3 kinase signaling.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Os autores têm como objetivo, investigar a matriz extra celular, musculatura lisa e densidade vascular do prepúcio de pacientes tabagistas. Espécimes de prepúcio foram obtidas de 20 jovens adultos (média de idade= 27.2) submetidos a postectomia. Dentre os pacientes analisados, um grupo (n=10) possui história prévia de tabagismo (3 to 13 maços/ano, média = 5.8 3.2), e outro grupo (n=10) formam o grupo controle, não fumantes. A coloração de Tricrômico Masson foi utilizada para quantificar tecido conectivo, musculatura lisa e vasos. A coloração Resorcina-fucsina de Weigert foi utilizada para estabelecer as fibras do sistema elástico e a coloração, Vermelho de Picrosirius para o estudo do colágeno. O estudo estereológico foi realizado utilizando o software Image J, para determinar as densidades volumétricas. Para a análise bioquímica o colágeno total foi determinado em &#956;g de hidroxiprolina por MG de tecido seco. O estudo estatístico foi realizado lançando mão do t-teste (p<0,05). Fibras do sistema elástico de fumantes apresentaram-se aumentadas em 42.5% quando comparado ao grupo controle (p=0,002). Em contraste, musculatura lisa (p=0,42) e densidade vascular (p=0,16) não mostraram nenhuma diferença estatística. Foi realizado uma análise quantitativa utilizando Vermelho de Picrosirius sob luz polarizada, que evidenciou a presença de colágeno tipo I e III, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa. A concentração total do colágeno não mostrou diferença entre tabagistas e o grupo controle. (73.1&#956;g/mg 8.0 vs. 69.2&#956;g/mg 5.9, respectivamente, p=0,23). Tabagismo está associado a um significante aumento de fibras do sistema elástico do tecido prepucial. Estes resultados podem, possivelmente, explicar os altos índices de falha na uretroplastia peniana, com uso de flap de prepúcio em fumantes / It has been speculated by McAninch et al. (1), that smokers might experience worse results after urethral reconstruction. We decided to investigate the extracellular matrix, smooth muscle and vascular density in the foreskin of smoker patients. Foreskin samples were obtained from 20 young adults (ranging in age from 23 to 36 years; mean SD = 27.2 5.8) submitted to circumcision from July 2008 to October 2009. Of the patients analyzed, one group (n=10) had a previous history of chronic smoking (3 to 13 packs/year, mean = 5.8 3.2) i.e., one pack per day for 3 to 13 years. The control group was composed of 10 non-smoker patients. Foreskin samples were studied by histology and biochemistry. Means were compared using the two-tailed t-test (p<0.05). The elastic system fibers in the foreskin of smoker patients increased in 42.5% when compared to the control group. In contrast, the smooth muscle fibers, vascular density and total collagen concentration did not show any significant variation between smokers and controls. Smoking is associated with a significant increase of elastic system fibers in foreskin tissue. These results could possibly explain the high failure rate of penile urethroplasty in smokers by using foreskin flaps

ALVES, Calebe de Andrade. Dinâmica de degradação e reparação de fibras elásticas sob tensão. 2013. 71 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Física) - Programa de Pós-Graduação em Física, Departamento de Física, Centro de Ciências, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 2013. / Submitted by Edvander Pires (edvanderpires@gmail.com) on 2015-10-23T18:48:28Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2013_dis_caalves.pdf: 1922274 bytes, checksum: beae2409f015f4b21f8f423815937fa0 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Edvander Pires(edvanderpires@gmail.com) on 2015-10-23T19:38:27Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2013_dis_caalves.pdf: 1922274 bytes, checksum: beae2409f015f4b21f8f423815937fa0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-10-23T19:38:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2013_dis_caalves.pdf: 1922274 bytes, checksum: beae2409f015f4b21f8f423815937fa0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Extracelular matrix, the biological structure that supports cells in animal tissue, is composed of elastic fibers such as collagen and elastin. It is known that enzymes activity plays an important role in maintenance of these elastic fibers. The imbalance between destruction and repair of the elastic fibers can lead to diseases such as fibrosis and emphysema. In this study, we present a simple model to simulate enzymatic digestion and repair of elastic fibers under tension. The fiber is represented by a chain of linearly elastic springs in series surrounded by two layers of sites along which particles representing enzymes and fragments can diffuse. These particles can biding-unbinding in the fiber simulating the reaction process by changing the local stiffness by a multiplicative factor. We study the distribution of the number of visits of particles to the springs as function of time and the consequent change of the fiber stiffness, under different initial conditions (model parameters). We show that, due to no linearity of the model, the degradation effect prevails even when the concentrations of the two type of agents are the same. There is no relation between the number of degradative and rigidifying particles that garantee that the fiber stiffness remains constant. When an anisotropy factor is included on the model and the system behaviour becomes dependent on the tension applied to the fiber, we show that the increase of tension in general contributes to the increase on enzymatic activity. We believe this study can help better understand progression of diseases such as emphysema and fibrosis. / A Matriz Extracelular, a estrutura biológica que sustenta as células em tecidos animais, é composta de fibras elásticas como colágeno e elastina. Sabe-se que a atividade enzimática desempenha papel fundamental na manutenção dessas fibras elásticas. O desequilíbrio entre destruição e reparo das fibras elásticas pode levar a doenças como fibrose e enfizema. Neste estudo, nós apresentamos um modelo simples para simular digestão enzimática e reparo de fibras sob tensão. A fibra é representada por uma cadeia de molas linearmente elásticas em série. A fibra é cercada por duas camadas de sítios ao longo dos quais partículas representantes de enzimas e fragmentos podem se difundir. Estas partículas podem se ligar e se desligar da fibra, simulando o processo de reação ao alterar a constante elástica local por um fator multiplicativo. Estuda-se a distribuição do número de visitas de partículas degradadoras e enrijecedoras às molas em função do tempo de difusão e a consequente variação da rigidez da fibra, sob diversas condições iniciais (parâmetros do modelo). Mostra-se que, devido a características matemáticas intrínsecas ao modelo, o efeito de degradação prevalece sobre o de enrijecimento ainda quando a concentração de agentes de ambos os tipos é a mesma. Não há relação entre o número de partículas degradadoras e enrijecedoras que garanta a estabilidade da constante elástica da fibra. Quanto um fator de anisotropia é incluído no modelo e o comportamento do sistema passa a depender da tensão aplicada à fibra, mostra-se que o aumento da tensão em geral contribui para o aumento da atividade enzimática. Este estudo poderá ajudar a entender a progressão da degradação de tecidos em doenças como enfisema e fibrose.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Os autores têm como objetivo, investigar a matriz extra celular, musculatura lisa e densidade vascular do prepúcio de pacientes tabagistas. Espécimes de prepúcio foram obtidas de 20 jovens adultos (média de idade= 27.2) submetidos a postectomia. Dentre os pacientes analisados, um grupo (n=10) possui história prévia de tabagismo (3 to 13 maços/ano, média = 5.8 3.2), e outro grupo (n=10) formam o grupo controle, não fumantes. A coloração de Tricrômico Masson foi utilizada para quantificar tecido conectivo, musculatura lisa e vasos. A coloração Resorcina-fucsina de Weigert foi utilizada para estabelecer as fibras do sistema elástico e a coloração, Vermelho de Picrosirius para o estudo do colágeno. O estudo estereológico foi realizado utilizando o software Image J, para determinar as densidades volumétricas. Para a análise bioquímica o colágeno total foi determinado em &#956;g de hidroxiprolina por MG de tecido seco. O estudo estatístico foi realizado lançando mão do t-teste (p<0,05). Fibras do sistema elástico de fumantes apresentaram-se aumentadas em 42.5% quando comparado ao grupo controle (p=0,002). Em contraste, musculatura lisa (p=0,42) e densidade vascular (p=0,16) não mostraram nenhuma diferença estatística. Foi realizado uma análise quantitativa utilizando Vermelho de Picrosirius sob luz polarizada, que evidenciou a presença de colágeno tipo I e III, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa. A concentração total do colágeno não mostrou diferença entre tabagistas e o grupo controle. (73.1&#956;g/mg 8.0 vs. 69.2&#956;g/mg 5.9, respectivamente, p=0,23). Tabagismo está associado a um significante aumento de fibras do sistema elástico do tecido prepucial. Estes resultados podem, possivelmente, explicar os altos índices de falha na uretroplastia peniana, com uso de flap de prepúcio em fumantes / It has been speculated by McAninch et al. (1), that smokers might experience worse results after urethral reconstruction. We decided to investigate the extracellular matrix, smooth muscle and vascular density in the foreskin of smoker patients. Foreskin samples were obtained from 20 young adults (ranging in age from 23 to 36 years; mean SD = 27.2 5.8) submitted to circumcision from July 2008 to October 2009. Of the patients analyzed, one group (n=10) had a previous history of chronic smoking (3 to 13 packs/year, mean = 5.8 3.2) i.e., one pack per day for 3 to 13 years. The control group was composed of 10 non-smoker patients. Foreskin samples were studied by histology and biochemistry. Means were compared using the two-tailed t-test (p<0.05). The elastic system fibers in the foreskin of smoker patients increased in 42.5% when compared to the control group. In contrast, the smooth muscle fibers, vascular density and total collagen concentration did not show any significant variation between smokers and controls. Smoking is associated with a significant increase of elastic system fibers in foreskin tissue. These results could possibly explain the high failure rate of penile urethroplasty in smokers by using foreskin flaps

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第19570号 / 医博第4077号 / 新制||医||1013(附属図書館) / 32606 / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 松田 秀一, 教授 開 祐司, 教授 妻木 範行 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

A elasticidade do tecido conjuntivo desempenha uma função protetora agindo como uma mola tênsil durante o trabalho muscular, No entanto, existem poucos estudos sobre a distribuição das fibras do sistema elástico no coração. Considerando que: a) o estudo da distribuição destas fibras pode ajudar a compreender a mecânica cardíaca, e b) o rato tem sido usado como o melhor modelo animal para as disfunções cardiovasculares, o objetivo deste estudo é apresentar uma descrição sistemática da distribuição diferencial das fibras do sistema elástico do endocárdio, epicárdio e miocárdio ventricular. Cortes histológicos de ventrículo esquerdo obtido de ratos normais adultos foram estudados pela comparação do padrão ultraestrutural de cada um dos tipos fibrilares com coloração pela técnica da resorcina-fucsina com prévia oxidação, para microscopia de luz. As observações ultra-estruturais foram feitas em tecidos fixados com ácido tânico - glutaraldeído, que permite a identificação mais precisa das fibras oxitalânicas, elaunínicas e elásticas. Foi aplicado um sistema semiquantitativo de avaliação. A análise dos cortes histológicos corados pela Resorcina-fucsina com oxidação prévia mostrou um estrato de fibras elásticas em estreita associação ao endotélio no endocárdio e ao mesotélio no epicárdio. Quando observado ao microscópio eletrônico é possível identificar que nestas ambas localizações as fibras do sistema elástico estão arranjadas em dois estratos dispostos ortogonalmente. Ao nível ultraestrutural, notou-se a distribuição diferencial das fibras do sistema elástico nos três compartimentos do tecido conjuntivo associado ao miocárdio propriamente dito: epimísio, perimísio e endomísio. O epimísio apresenta fibroblastos, fibras colágenas grossas, fibras elaunínicas e elásticas entremeadas à substância amorfa. No perimísio, a microscopia eletrônica mostrou uma grande quantidade de microfibrilas associadas a fibras elásticas, elaunínicas e mesmo fibras colagênicas. Freqüentemente, neste compartimento, as microfibrilas estão compactadas formando feixes que correspondem ao padrão ultra-estrutural das fibras oxitalânicas. O endomísio é rico em fibras oxitalânicas associadas à lâmina basal dos cardiomiócitos. Uma rede microfilamentar conecta os elementos do endomísio entre si. Ainda que as implicações funcionais sejam especulativas, a distribuição diferencial das fibras do sistema elástico nos compartimentos da parede ventricular sugere que diferenças na elasticidade conferem versatilidade biomecânica ao tecido como um todo. A análise ultra-estrutural mostra que as fibras oxitalânicas (menos elásticas) se co-localizam com fibras colagênicas finas no endomísio e perimísio, enquanto que a presença de fibrilas colágenas mais grossas coincide com fibras elásticas e elaunínicas (com mais elasticidade) no endo- e epicárdio. Estas observações sugerem que o sistema elástico, em co-evolução com o sistema colagênico, contribui para acomodar a diversidade funcional / The connective tissue elasticity has a protective function acting as a tensile spring during muscular work. Nevertheless, few is known about the distribution of the elastic system fibers in the heart. Considering that a) the study of the distribution of these fibers may help understand the cardiac mechanics, and b) rat models are used to study cardiac dysfunctions, our aim is to study the distribution of elastic system fibers in the ventricular endocardium, epicardium and myocardium of normal rats. Histological tissue sections of left ventricle (obtained from adult rats) were studied by comparing the typical ultrastructural picture of each of the fiber types with Resorcinfuchsin staining technique for light microscopy. The ultrastructural observation was made in tissues fixed with tannic acid-glutaraldehyde, which provided a reliable means to identify the elastic system fibers, as oxytalan, elaunin and elastic fibers. A semiquantitative evaluation was performed. The analysis of the histological sections stained by Resorcin-fuchsin technique after oxidation shows a stratum of elastic system fibers in close association to the endothelium in the endocardium and to the mesothelium in the epicardium. When observed at the transmission electron microscope, it was possible to see that in both locations the elastic system fibers are arranged in two orthogonally disposed layers. At the ultrastructural level, the epimysium presents fibroblasts, thick collagen, elaunin and elastic fibers interspersed in the amorphous substance. In the perimysium, the electron microscope disclosed a great amount of microfibrils, surrounding all fibrilar components: elastic fibers, elaunin fibers and even collagen fibers. Frequently, at this location, the microfibrils are closely packed, forming bundles devoid of elastin that correspond to the ultrasctructural picture of the oxytalan fibers. The endomysium is rich in oxytalan fibers in a close association with the basal lamina of the myocytes. A microfibrilar network interconnects the endomysium elements each other. In spite of the functional implications being speculative, the differential distribution of the elastic system fibers in the compartments of the ventricular wall suggests that the differences in elasticity provide biomechanical versatility to the intire system. Ultrastructural analysis shows that oxytalan fibres and thin collagen fibrils are co-localized in endomysium and perimysium, whereas, the presence of thicker collagen fibrils coincides with elaunin and elastic fibers in endo- and epicardium. These specific co-localizations suggest that elastic system, in co-evolution with collagen, has contributed to accommodating functional diversity

O prolapso uterino tem sua incidência aumentada na pós-menopausa. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar as alterações na matriz extracelular do ligamento cardinal associadas à menopausa e ao prolapso uterino. Ligamento cardinal de três diferentes grupos de mulheres, pré-menopausa, prolapso uterino e pós-menopausa, foram identificados e biopsiados durante 57 histerectomias abdominais ou vaginais. As amostras foram processadas por métodos bioquímicos para caracterização e quantificação de glicosaminoglicanos sulfatados e colágeno. As concentrações relativas de glicosaminoglicanos foram obtidas por eletroforese. Procedimentos histológicos foram feitos para identificar fibras elásticas (Weigert), distribuição de colágeno (Picro Sirius) e decorin (imunohistoquímica). Nossos resultados mostraram aumento na concentração de GAG de 72,2%, redução na concentração de colágeno de 37% e diminuição de 22% de fibras elásticas no grupo de prolapso uterino quando comparado ao grupo da pós-menopausa (p<0,05, p<0,04 e p<0,05 respectivamente). As concentrações relativas de glicosaminoglicanos sulfatados para condroitin sulfato, heparan sulfato e dermatan sulfato não mostraram diferenças entre os três grupos. A organização do colágeno foi similar entre os três grupos e a marcação do decorin pareceu estar diminuída no grupo de prolapso uterino. Nossos resultados indicam alterações no metabolismo do tecido conjuntivo. O ligamento cardinal da mulher na pós-menopausa possui uma matriz extracelular mais densa. Esta alteração não ocorre na mulher com prolapso uterino. / Uterine prolapse has increase of incidence after menopause. The aim of this study was to identify the changes in extracellular matrix of cardinal ligaments associated to menopause and uterine prolapse. Cardinal ligament of 3 different groups (pre-menopause, menopause and uterine prolapse) are identified and biopsied during 57 womens abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy. Biopsy specimens were assessed by biochemical methods to characterize and quantify sulfated glycosaminoglycans and collagen. Relative concentrations of GAG were obtained by electrophoresis. Histological procedures are made to identify elastic fibers (Weigert) collagen distribution (Picro sirius) and decorin (immunohistochemistry). Our results showed increase in GAG concentration 72.2% in uterine prolapse group compared to menopause group (p<0.05). Collagen concentration was 37% lower in uterine prolapse group compared to menopause group (p<0.04). Relative concentration of GAG: heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate showed no differences among three groups. Elastic fibers showed a significant reduction of approximately 22% uterine prolapse group compared to menopause group (p<0.05). Collagen organization was similar in three groups and the staining pattern of decorin seemed to be decreased in uterine prolapse group. Our results indicate changes in connective tissue metabolism. Cardinal ligament in postmenopausal women has a denser extracellular matrix. This change is not observed in women with uterine prolapse.

O prolapso uterino tem sua incidência aumentada na pós-menopausa. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar as alterações na matriz extracelular do ligamento cardinal associadas à menopausa e ao prolapso uterino. Ligamento cardinal de três diferentes grupos de mulheres, pré-menopausa, prolapso uterino e pós-menopausa, foram identificados e biopsiados durante 57 histerectomias abdominais ou vaginais. As amostras foram processadas por métodos bioquímicos para caracterização e quantificação de glicosaminoglicanos sulfatados e colágeno. As concentrações relativas de glicosaminoglicanos foram obtidas por eletroforese. Procedimentos histológicos foram feitos para identificar fibras elásticas (Weigert), distribuição de colágeno (Picro Sirius) e decorin (imunohistoquímica). Nossos resultados mostraram aumento na concentração de GAG de 72,2%, redução na concentração de colágeno de 37% e diminuição de 22% de fibras elásticas no grupo de prolapso uterino quando comparado ao grupo da pós-menopausa (p<0,05, p<0,04 e p<0,05 respectivamente). As concentrações relativas de glicosaminoglicanos sulfatados para condroitin sulfato, heparan sulfato e dermatan sulfato não mostraram diferenças entre os três grupos. A organização do colágeno foi similar entre os três grupos e a marcação do decorin pareceu estar diminuída no grupo de prolapso uterino. Nossos resultados indicam alterações no metabolismo do tecido conjuntivo. O ligamento cardinal da mulher na pós-menopausa possui uma matriz extracelular mais densa. Esta alteração não ocorre na mulher com prolapso uterino. / Uterine prolapse has increase of incidence after menopause. The aim of this study was to identify the changes in extracellular matrix of cardinal ligaments associated to menopause and uterine prolapse. Cardinal ligament of 3 different groups (pre-menopause, menopause and uterine prolapse) are identified and biopsied during 57 womens abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy. Biopsy specimens were assessed by biochemical methods to characterize and quantify sulfated glycosaminoglycans and collagen. Relative concentrations of GAG were obtained by electrophoresis. Histological procedures are made to identify elastic fibers (Weigert) collagen distribution (Picro sirius) and decorin (immunohistochemistry). Our results showed increase in GAG concentration 72.2% in uterine prolapse group compared to menopause group (p<0.05). Collagen concentration was 37% lower in uterine prolapse group compared to menopause group (p<0.04). Relative concentration of GAG: heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate showed no differences among three groups. Elastic fibers showed a significant reduction of approximately 22% uterine prolapse group compared to menopause group (p<0.05). Collagen organization was similar in three groups and the staining pattern of decorin seemed to be decreased in uterine prolapse group. Our results indicate changes in connective tissue metabolism. Cardinal ligament in postmenopausal women has a denser extracellular matrix. This change is not observed in women with uterine prolapse.