Abstract
Background and aimAlpha-tocopherol has been implicated in reproduction processes, and deficiency of phylloquinone has been associated with serious complications in pregnancy. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the effects of phylloquinone and alpha-tocopherol on uterine contractility and female reproductive function using mouse models. Materials and methodsBoth in vivo and ex vivo animal models were employed and designed to assess changes on uterine contractility and reproductive functions in the non-pregnant uterus. The effect of alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone on spontaneous uterine contractions, oxytocin-induced uterine contractions (11.82nM) and high KCl-induced tonic uterine contractions (80mM) were assessed. The effect of subcutaneous administration of alpha-tocopherol (10mg/kg) on reproductive hormone levels and reproductive tissues were also determined. ResultsAlpha-tocopherol increased the force of contractions while phylloquinone decreased the force of uterine contractions. Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (P<0.01), estrogen (P<0.01) and progesterone (P<0.001) were elevated in the presence of alpha-tocopherol after 6 days subcutaneous administration. ConclusionsAlpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone have been shown to directly modulate uterine contractility and reproductive function and may contribute to the management and treatment of reproductive disorders.
Highlights
Phylloquinone and alpha-tocopherol are classified as fatsoluble vitamins [1,2]
This was clearly depicted in a concentration–response plot that showed stimulation of the amplitude of spontaneous contraction by ATE up to 159% at a concentration of 9.75 mM and 126% at 30.62 mM and no significant changes were observed on the frequency of spontaneous contractions with ATE at lower concentrations though an increase to 133% from the control was observed at 9.75 mM (Fig. 2A and B respectively)
Alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone have been shown in this study to have direct effects on uterine contractility and to exert modulatory effects on oxytocin
Summary
Phylloquinone and alpha-tocopherol are classified as fatsoluble vitamins [1,2]. The existence of fat-soluble vitamins was first reported in 1913 [2]. The myometrium has been described to be myogenic in nature being able to generate regular spontaneous contractions with no input from the nervous or hormonal systems [10] They have been described to exhibit phasic properties showing variations in frequency, amplitude and duration. The myometrium is responsible for the contractions occurring during menstruation or estrous which may give rise to the cramping observed often referred to as dysmenorrhea [12] The myometrium in this state is involved in a uterine peristaltic action that assists in the endometrial sloughing that occurs during menstruation [13]. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of phylloquinone and alphatocopherol on uterine contractility and female reproductive function using mouse models. Conclusions: Alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone have been shown to directly modulate uterine contractility and reproductive function and may contribute to the management and treatment of reproductive disorders
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