Does Preincubation with Prostaglandin E1 or Prostaglandin E2 Enhance Oxytocin-Induced Myometrial Contractility In Vitro?

Abstract

Objective To determine if preincubation with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and E2 (PGE2) enhances oxytocin-induced myometrial contractility in vitro.

Study Design Myometrial strips from 13 women were incubated with PGE1 (10⁻⁵ mol/L or 10⁻⁶ mol/L), PGE2 (10⁻⁵ mol/L or 10⁻⁶ mol/L) or solvent before adding cumulative concentrations of oxytocin (10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻⁶ mol/L). The area under the contraction curve was calculated after addition of each agent. One- and two-way analysis of variance was used for comparison (significance p < 0.05).

Results PGE2 10⁻⁵ mol/L reduced response to oxytocin 10⁻⁹ to 10⁻⁶ mol/L (p < 0.05). PGE2 reduced spontaneous myometrial contractility as compared with PGE1 (p < 0.05). A dose-dependent negative effect of prostaglandins was detected on oxytocin 10⁻⁸ mol/L (10⁻⁵ mol/L > 10⁻⁶ mol/L; p < 0.05).

Conclusion Contrary to the hypothesis, neither PGE1 nor PGE2 enhanced oxytocin-induced myometrial contractility; in fact, PGE2 decreased contractility.

Keywords

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

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