395: Adiponectin and human myometrial contractility in vitro

Abstract

Adiponectin, an adipokine, is present in lower concentrations in gestational diabetes (GDM) regardless of maternal BMI. Other adipokines have been suggested to have a role in myometrial contractility, and given the increased risk for cesarean delivery in pregnancies complicated by GDM, we sought to investigate the effect of adiponectin on myometrial contractility. Human myometrial tissue was obtained at scheduled cesarean delivery. Muscle bundles were dissected and suspended under isometric conditions, and muscle contraction was induced with electrical impulses. After a period of equilibration, human adiponectin was infused into the tissue baths. Peak contraction strength was recorded over the course of one hour. A total of 38 muscle bundles from 6 subjects were obtained. 19 bundles were exposed to 0.1 mcg of human adiponectin and 19 bundles were exposed to 1 mcg of human adiponectin. Those bundles exposed to 0.1 mcg had a mean increase in peak contractile force of 7.44%. Those bundles exposed to 1 mcg adiponectin had a mean increase in peak contractile force of 1.83%. Human adiponectin may increase human myometrial contractile force in vitro. No direct dose response was noted, and this needs more study. Further investigation of potential molecular mechanisms is needed, and may potentially provide a pharmacologic target to improve contractility in populations deficient in human adiponectin such as gestational diabetics.