Endocrine Abstracts

Although oxytocin is a potent stimulant of myometrial contractions, its role in parturition is controversial. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the functional mechanisms of oxytocin receptors in isolated human myometrium before and after labour-onset.Myometrial biopsies were obtained from consenting women (aged 21–34 years) undergoing Caesarean section at term pregnancy, not in labour (n=6), or in early (n=6) or late (n<...

Dysfunctional prostanoid and oxytocin receptors have been implicated in the development of myometrial hyperactivity, causing dysmenorrhoea and infertility. The aim of the present study was to investigate the topographical differences in functional contractile PG and oxytocin receptors in mid-cycle isolated myometrium.Longitudinal, full-thickness sections of the anterior uterus were obtained from consenting pre-menopausal donors (aged 39–48 years) un...

Both prostaglandin (PG) E2 and oxytocin are used clinically in the induction of labour. However, the functional co-expression of inhibitory PGE2 receptors (EP2) and contractile oxytocin receptors in lower segment myometrium is not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to elucidate EP2 agonist effects on oxytocin-induced myogenic contractions and to identify their combined action on intracellular calcium (Ca2+)...