{"paper_id":"7aef0f5f-489c-4e6f-835f-94ca8db949e4","body_text":"Abstract\nEarly studies often claimed that autonomic nerves were unimportant for uterine function, since\ndenervation of the uterus had little effects on reproductive success. In 1979, Thorbert wrote, “It seems unlikely\nthat Nature has equipped the uterus with a complex innervation merely as a structural ornament. Our\nignorance in this area may be rather due to defects in methods of study”. Investigations carried out over the\nlast four decades proved that Thorbert’s words were correct, because it is now clear that autonomic and sensory\nnerves regulate many critical uterine functions. However, the most remarkable aspect of uterine innervation\nis its capacity to change in response to physiological fluctuations in levels of sex hormones, as those\naccompanying pregnancy, the sex cycle and puberty. The present review provides an overview about how\nsex hormones influence uterine innervation. Data are presented about how this physiological plasticity is\nmimicked by exogenous administration of sex hormones, particularly estrogen. We will review recent developments\nillustrating the complex multifactorial mechanisms regulating uterine neural plasticity and the nature\nof molecular signals involved. Finally, we will go through recent findings pointing to the relevance of\nuterine innervation in gynecological diseases leading to pain and infertility.\nKeywords: Estrogen, pregnancy, sympathetic nerves, parasympathetic nerves, sensory nerves, neuroplasticity, uterine fibroids, endometriosis.\n78\n6\n1\n1","source_license":"public-domain-us","license_restricted":false}