Imaging cervical remodeling in pregnancy through polarization-based techniques

Cervical remodeling is a complex, spatially dynamic process essential for pregnancy and parturition. Studying microstructural changes, especially in collagen, requires imaging techniques sensitive to tissue organization and distribution. Most studies rely on transverse sections, which limit anatomical context and obscure gradients along the cervical canal. Here, we use polarization imaging on longitudinal sections of the mouse cervix to visualize structural changes from the internal to external os. This orientation aligns with the endocervical axis, the primary direction of mechanical loading, allowing spatial mapping of collagen alignment and anisotropy. Longitudinal sectioning improves localization of microstructural changes relative to anatomical landmarks, enhancing interpretation of tissue remodeling during gestation. This approach is especially useful in preclinical models, where regional specificity and temporal resolution are critical. By integrating polarization imaging with anatomically aligned samples, we establish a framework for evaluating both normal cervical maturation and pathological remodeling, such as in cervical insufficiency or preterm birth.