Elastin turnover in the rat uterus.

During pregnancy the rat uterus shows a steady increase in total elastin content, reaching levels of 300% above non-pregnant controls. Elevated levels of urinary desmosine are also seen during this period. After parturition there is a slight lag period and then rapid removal of elastin from the uterus, reaching baseline after five days. Urinary desmosine levels were elevated for about seven days post partum before returning toward control levels. Analysis of pre- and post-partum serum showed no significant differences. The involuting rat uterus appears to be an excellent model for the study of processes involved in elastin catabolism.