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Am J Perinatol 2012; 29(09): 699-704
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1314891
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

In vitro Myometrial Contractility Profiles of Different Pharmacological Agents Used for Induction of Labor

Giuseppe Chioss
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
,
Maged M. Costantine
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
,
Egle Bytautiene
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
,
Ancizar Betancourt
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
,
Gary D.V. Hankins
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
,
George R. Saade
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
,
Monica Longo
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

01 January 2012

01 February 2012

Publication Date:
29 May 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of different pharmacological induction agents on myometrial contractility.

Study Design Myometrial biopsies were obtained from 13 term nonlaboring women undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery. Tissue strips were suspended in organ chambers for isometric tension recording. The effects of cumulative doses (10−10 mol/L to 10−5 mol/L) of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), E2 (PGE2), and oxytocin on spontaneous uterine contractility were determined. Areas under the contraction curve were compared using one-way analysis of variance on ranks with Dunn post hoc test.

Results Oxytocin-induced myometrial contractility was superior to PGE1, PGE2, and time controls (CTR) at all the concentrations tested. When only prostaglandins were compared with CTR, PGE1 10−5 mol/L increased myometrial contractility, and PGE2 had no effects.

Conclusion Oxytocin and prostaglandins have different effects on myometrial contractility accounting for different mechanisms of action and side effects. The increased uterine contractility observed with PGE1 as compared with PGE2 can contribute to explain the higher success of vaginal delivery.

Keywords

prostaglandin E1 - prostaglandin E2 - oxytocin - uterine contractility - organ chamber
 

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