Akademik

Relaxin

A hormone produced during pregnancy that facilitates the birth process by causing a softening and lengthening of the cervix and the pubic symphysis (the place where the pubic bones come together). Relaxin also inhibits contractions of the uterus and may play a role in timing of delivery. Relaxin works by simultaneously cutting collagen production and increasing collagen breakdown. A synthetic form of relaxin has been reported to be useful in treating scleroderma (a connective tissue disease that causes the skin to become tight and thick), improving the skin condition, mobility, and function.

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A polypeptide hormone secreted by the corpora lutea of mammalian species during pregnancy. Facilitates the birth process by causing a softening and lengthening of the pubic symphysis and cervix; it also inhibits contraction of the uterus and may play a role in timing of parturition. SYN: cervilaxin, ovarian hormone, releasin. [relax + -in]

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re·lax·in ri-'lak-sən n a polypeptide sex hormone of the corpus luteum that facilitates birth by causing relaxation of the pelvic ligaments

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a hormone, secreted by the placenta in the terminal stages of pregnancy, that causes the cervix (neck) of the uterus to dilate and prepares the uterus for the action of oxytocin during labour.

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re·lax·in (re-lakґsin) a water-soluble polypeptide (molecular weight approx. 8000) extractable from the corpus luteum of pregnancy; it produces relaxation of the pubic symphysis and dilation of the uterine cervix in certain animal species. Its role in the pregnant human female is uncertain.

Medical dictionary. 2011.