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. 2011 Aug;179(2):838–849. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.04.024

Figure 5.

Figure 5

Proposed mechanism for LPS-induced cervical remodeling and preterm birth. LPS ascends from the vagina to the cervix, where the complement cascade is activated. C3b is deposited on the cervical epithelium and complement split product C5a is generated. C5a attracts and activated macrophages to the cervical stroma. In response to C5a macrophages release matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 that digests collagen leading to cervical remodeling, increased cervical distensibility, and preterm birth.