By immunohistochemistry the GR protein was localized to the nuclei of cervical stroma, squamous epithelium, vascular endothelium and glandular epithelium in samples from the NP, TP and PP teams. By picture analysis the GR degrees were <br /><br />Decided in SQ and stroma. The stromal cells contain the leukocytes and vascular epithelium within the stroma. Body cells within vessels are excluded from the image analysis. Strong immunostaining was contained in SQ, particularly in the <br /><br />basal and parabasal cell layers. There clearly was a significant decrease in immunostaining of the PP group as compared to the TP group, equally in stroma and SQ. The stromal GR immunostaining was improved in the TP group when compared with the NP <br /><br />and PP groups. It absolutely was observed in all organizations that GE, vascular endothelium and some perivascular and intravascular leukocytes stained positive for GR, while some leukocytes were negative. NO stimulates PGE2 release from human cervical <br /><br />tissue explants, and is a powerful regulator of COX 2 thus increasing local PGE2 concentrations in inflammatory tissues. NO donors do induce cervical ripening in human pregnancy in the very first trimester, at term and in non expectant mothers. <br /><br />Besides, treatment with the NO donor isosorbide 5 mononitrate stimulates production of e. g. COX 2 and PGE2 in human cervix. The activity of NO on cervical ripening is apparently accomplished by effects on connective tissue and smooth <br /><br />muscle cells in a similar way as previously demonstrated an ability for prostaglandins. Our theory is that glucocorticoids exert a primary receptor mediated influence in the human cervix uteri, and that a changed natural a reaction to glucocorticoids <br /><br />Might be a system behind the activities resulting in cervical ripening at parturition. Since NFB has opposed functions in inflammatory reactions in comparison with GR, we think that NFB may be a of the events <br /><br />leading to cervical ripening. These inflammatory activities might be mediated via facets such as the PAF Ep, iNOS and/or COX enzymes.