Abstract
Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare (1) the contractile responses of the lower uterine segment and fundus to prostaglandins, (2) expression of genes encoding prostanoid receptors in myo-metrium from different regions of the uterus, and (3) the distribution of expression of genes encoding prostanoid receptors (P receptors) in key intrauterine tissues. Study Design: Cesarean hysterectomy was performed in 8 pregnant baboons, not in labor, in the last third of pregnancy. Contractile responses of fresh tissue were quantified in a superfusion system. Polyadenylated ribonucleic acid was extracted from frozen tissue and gene expression was quantified by Northern blot analysis with complementary deoxyribonucleic acid probes. Results: Prostaglandin E 2 contracted strips of myometrium from the fundus but had no significant effect on strips from lower uterine segment. Prostaglandin F 2 α contracted myometrium from both regions equally. Compared with fundus tissue, lower uterine segment tissue had greater expression of EP 2 receptor messenger ribonucleic acid, less expression of EP 3 receptor messenger ribonucleic acid, but similar levels of EP 4 receptor and FP receptor messenger ribonucleic acid. EP 2 receptor, EP 3 receptor, and EP 4 receptor messenger ribonucleic acids were also detected in cervix, decidua, and chorion. EP 2 receptor messenger ribonucleic acid was most abundant in the cervix, EP 3 receptor messenger ribonucleic acid was most abundant in the myometrium, and EP 4 receptor messenger ribonucleic acid was most abundant in the decidua. Conclusions: The reduced contractile response of lower uterine segment tissue to prostaglandin E 2 is paralleled by greater inhibitory EP 2 receptor expression and less contractile EP 3 receptor expression, a pattern similar to that seen in the cervix. Drugs with selective activity at prostanoid receptor types and subtypes are likely to allow safer and more effective control of the uterus and cervix than native prostaglandins. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:1545-52.)
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
