Duration Of Uterine Contractions Research Articles

ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНЫЕ ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ТОНУСА ПРИ НАРУШЕНИИ СОКРАТИТЕЛЬНОЙ ФУНКЦИИ ГЛАДКИХ МИОЦИТОВ

A method has been proposed for assessing the functional state of the uterus of experimental pregnant animals, including simultaneous recording of signals from the electrical and mechanical activity of the uterus using a kymograph and an electromyocytograph. The method allows you to record the frequency and duration of uterine contractions and record a mechanogram, and timely visualize uterine hypotension during the administration of various doses of uterotonics. This will allow us to establish the degree of development of myometrial hypotension under the influence of excessive doses of exogenous uterotonics. The combined research method will allow assessing the functional state of the uterus of a pregnant rat against the background of induced uterine contractions in an acute experiment.

“Effectiveness of Ambulation During First Stage of Labor on Maternal Parameters Among Primi Mothers in A Selected Hospital at Mangaluru”

Introduction: The birthing women experiences, many demanding sensation and discomfort during labour and child birth. The childbearing women commonly tensed about childbirth and delivery. Ambulation during first stage of labour eases the process and it became a popular measure during this phase. Ambulation has also been found to increase foeto-maternal circulation which in turn increases the well-being of the new-born as well. Through the literature review, movement in labour to facilitates the progress of labour and enhance child birth satisfaction. This consciousness made the researcher to supply or issue the method of ambulation during the first stage of labour. With this aim, the study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of ambulation on maternal parameters in first stage of labor among the primi mother.
 Materials and Methods: A quasi experimental posttest only control group design was adopted to evaluate the efficacy of ambulation during first stage of labor on maternal parameters among primi mothers. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 40 primi mothers who are in first stage of labor and were assigned into experimental group and control group. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the demographic variable; Numerical pain rating scale was used to assess the intensity of pain, Tool to assess the frequency and duration of uterine contraction, Stethoscope to assess the foetal heart rate and opinionnaire on ambulation was used to assess the maternal parameters. Tool was administered for 20 minutes at different time interval for experimental group only. Mothers in the control group underwent routine treatment. The data obtained was analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics.
 Results: The study findings showed that there is significant difference in the pain level in both groups. The mean and standard deviation in 2nd post intervention in experimental group is 3.35+0.48 and in control group 2.95+ 0.22. There was significant difference and comparison of cervical dilatation among both the groups. The mean and standard deviation in 2nd post intervention in experimental group is 2.20 +0.41 and in control group 2.10 + 0.30. The comparison of frequency of contraction among both the groups is significant. In this mean and standard deviation in 2nd post intervention in experimental group is 2.20 + 0.41 and in control group 2.10 + 0.00. The comparison of duration of contraction among both the groups is significant. In this mean and standard deviation in 2nd post intervention in experimental group is 2.05 + 0.68 and in control group 2.00 + 0.00 was statistically significant. The comparison of FHR among both the groups is significant. In this mean and standard deviation in 2nd post intervention in experimental group is 3.80 + 0.41 and in control group 3.75 + 0.63. There is no significant difference in control group. There was no significant association between the selected demographic variables with maternal parameters such as pain, cervical dilatation, frequency of contraction, duration of contraction in experimental and control group. There is a significant association between age and fetal heart rate in experimental group.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that the ambulation technique is effective to reduce the duration of labor in first stage among primi mothers. The mothers in the experimental group who were administered ambulation technique experienced reduction in the duration of labor.

“ROLE OF PARTOGRAM IN MANAGEMENT OF LABOUR IN PRIMIGRAVIDA PATIENT AT TERTIARY CARE CENTRE”

Introduction: Although labor is a natural physiological process characterized by progressive increase in frequency, intensity and duration of uterine contractions, resulting in effacement and dilatation of cervix, with descent of the fetus through the birth canal, this physiologic process many a time may lead to prolonged labor. The partograph developed by World Health Organization is the best-known partograph in the lowresource setting. Partograph when used with dened management protocol is an inexpensive tool which can effectively monitor labor and be helpful in reducing incidences of both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality by reducing the number of operative interventions, prolonged labor, obstructed labor and caesarean section. Then WHO in 1994 endorsed the partogram and later modied in 2000 and removed latent phase and dened active phase at 4 centimetres instead of previously used 3 centimetres. WHO advocated its use as a necessary tool in management of labor and recommended its universal use during labor. Objective: To analyse the patterns of labor amongst spontaneous parturient using a WHO modied partogram and to compare outcome of labor and neonatal outcomes in relation to partogram ndings. Methods: This prospective study was carried over a period of 18 months on 100 parturients. Modied WHO Partogram was used to assess the progress of the labor. Parturients were divided on basis of partogram ndings. Group-I (n=64), where parturients partogram remained to the left of alert line, Group-II (n=20), where parturients partogram remained between the alert and action lines and Group-III (n=16), where parturients partogram crossed the action line. In these three groups, the maternal and fetal outcomes were assessed. Results: Normal vaginal delivery was done in 95.3% of Group-I, 80% of Group-II and 43.75% of Group-III parturients. Instrumental delivery was done in 1.56% of Group-I, 10% of Group-II and 18.75% of Group-III parturients. LSCS was done in 3.1% of Group-I, 10% of Group-II and 37.5% of Group-III parturients. Instrumental / LSCS deliveries were higher in Group-II and Group-III parturients. Alarge proportion of newborns of Group-II and Group-III parturients had Apgar Score <7. Conclusion: The Modied WHO partogram is very helpful in the prediction of maternal and fetal outcome. It is highly recommended for use in resource decient medical facilities, where early decision for delivery or referral can be taken on the basis of partogram ndings..

Automatic recognition of uterine contractions with electrohysterogram signals based on the zero-crossing rate

Uterine contraction (UC) is an essential clinical indicator in the progress of labour and delivery. Electrohysterogram (EHG) signals recorded on the abdomen of pregnant women reflect the uterine electrical activity. This study proposes a novel algorithm for automatic recognition of UCs with EHG signals to improve the accuracy of detecting UCs. EHG signals by electrodes, the tension of the abdominal wall by tocodynamometry (TOCO) and maternal perception were recorded simultaneously in 54 pregnant women. The zero-crossing rate (ZCR) of the EHG signal and its power were calculated to modulate the raw EHG signal and highlight the EHG bursts. Then the envelope was extracted from the modulated EHG for UC recognition. Besides, UC was also detected by the conventional TOCO signal. Taking maternal perception as a reference, the UCs recognized by EHG and TOCO were evaluated with the sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and UC parameters. The results show that the sensitivity and PPV are 87.8% and 93.18% for EHG, and 84.04% and 90.89% for TOCO. EHG detected a larger number of UCs than TOCO, which is closer to maternal perception. The duration and frequency of UC obtained from EHG and TOCO were not significantly different (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the proposed UC recognition algorithm has high accuracy and simple calculation which could be used for real-time analysis of EHG signals and long-term monitoring of UCs.

Effectiveness of Warm Compression on Lumbo-Sacral Region in Terms of Labour Pain Intensity and Labour Outcomes among Nulliparous: an Interventional Study.

Introduction: Childbirth is a distinctive and joyous moment in every mother’s life. Giving birth is one of the powerful and vital event. This study aimed to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of warm compression (moist heat) on lumbo-sacral region in terms of labor pain intensity and labor outcomesMethods: An experimental research design was carried out on 88 nulliparous mothers with normal singleton term pregnancy (44 participants in each group) who were admitted in the labor room. Mothers who had high-risk pregnancy were excluded. Warm compression was given to nulliparous mothers of the experimental group with hydrochollator pack at 70◦C temperature for 20 minutes for 3 times with one-hour interval on lumbo sacral region starting from 4-5 cm of cervical dilatation. Labor pain intensity score, fetal heart rate, frequency and duration of uterine contractions were assessed before and immediately of warm compression and again after 30 minutes only labor pain was assessed.Results: Study results revealed that immediately after first, second and third time of warm compression labor pain intensity score in experimental group was lower than control group respectively ( t= 3.20; P< 0.001; t =4.45; P< 0.001; t= 6.18; P< 0.001). But no significant difference found in fetal heart rate and labor outcomes in terms of duration of labor, type of delivery, baby born alive/ not and cried immediately after birth.Conclusion: Warm compression was useful method to decrease the labour pain among nulliparous mothers in the first stage of labour and mothers reported satisfaction with intervention.

Effectiveness of back massage on pain relief during first stage of labor in primi mothers admitted at a Tertiary care center.

Background:Labor pain is one of the most severe pains a woman experiences in her life, causing an increase in the anxiety and stress levels. Massage therapy has proven beneficial for relaxation purposes.Aim:To evaluate the effectiveness of back massage in relieving pain during the first stage of labor in primi mothers.Methodology:The study included 40 primipara mothers belonging to the age group 22–25 years, equally divided into 2 groups: Experimental (massage therapy) and control (routine care). The socio-demographic data, labor assessment parameters (cervical dilation, status of fetal membranes, frequency and duration of uterine contractions during the latent and active phase of labor, and the total duration of the first stage of labor), and the level of labor pain (numerical rating pain scale) were recorded. Data analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA and two independent samples t-test (P ≤ 0.05 as significant).Results:During the latent and active phase of labor, majority of the mothers experienced 4–5 contractions in a span of 10 min. During the latent phase of labor, uterine contractions for 20–40 s were exhibited by 90% and 75% mothers in the experimental and control group, respectively; and during active phase, contractions of >40 s were exhibited by 85% mothers in both groups. A significant difference in the post-test pain scores was noted between the 2 groups (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:Our study proved that back massage was effective in reducing pain during the first stage of labor in primipara mothers in comparison to those who were subjected to routine care.

Clinical effect of ergometrine maleate injection combined with posterior pituitary injection in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of ergometrine maleate injection combined with posterior pituitary injection in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. Methods From April 2016 to July 2018, 68 patients with postpartum hemorrhage treated in the Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Tongxiang were randomly divided into two groups according to the random number table, with 34 patients in each group.The control group was treated with posterior pituitary injection.The observation group was treated with ergometrine maleate injection combined with posterior pituitary injection.The bleeding volume at different time points after treatment was compared between the two groups.The hemostasis time, the duration of uterine contraction, the extent of uterine decline, the duration of lochia and serum cytokines levels before and after treatment were compared. Results The bleeding amount at 0.5 h, 2 h, 24 h after administration in the observation group were (76.82±15.40) mL, (112.34±18.73) mL and (196.70±20.60) mL, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group[(147.38±17.65), (198.49±19.37) mL, (283.74±21.56) mL](t=17.565, 18.643, 17.020, all P<0.05). The duration of contractions[(3.83±1.40) h] and the extent of uterine decline[(6.25±0.93) cm] in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group[(1.92±0.59) h, (4.65±0.66) cm], and the hemostasis time[(21.29±3.60)min] and duration of lochia[(17.19±4.67)d] in the observation group were significantly shorter than those in the control group[(42.28±3.85) min, (24.28±6.11) d](t=23.220, 7.331, 8.181, 5.376, all P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of nitrogen monoxide (NO)[(91.22±6.23) μmol/L], nitric oxide synthase (NOS)[(24.56±2.46) μmol/L], brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)[(46.81±5.10)ng/L] in the observation group were lower than those in the control group[(98.63±7.51) μmol/L, (30.92±3.95) μmol/L, (90.35±4.66)ng/L], and the differences were statistically significant (t=4.428, 7.969, 36.750, all P<0.05). Conclusion The effect of ergometrine maleate injection combined with posterior pituitary injection on postpartum hemorrhage is effective, which can effectively control the amount of bleeding, shorten the time of hemostasis and promote postpartum recovery. Key words: Postpartum hemorrhage; Ergonovine; Vasotocin; Drug therapy, combination; Nitric oxide; Nitric oxide synthase; Natriuretic peptide, brain

Effleurage Against Uterine Contractions in Active Phase First Stage Labor

The progress of labour at active phase I is the most tiring, continuous, and most mothers begin to feel the pain. During this time many of the efforts to streamline the uterine contractions among other things with the touch of a massage. Massage on the abdomen (effleurage) is a form of stimulation of the skin which is used during the process of childbirth can induce a relaxing effect. The purpose of the study is to know the influence of massage effect against uterine contractions in parturients active phase I.Quasi-experimental research draft with the design of the pretest-posttest with a control group. The sample was used for each group of 37 respondents with a purposive sampling technique. The results of the research there is a difference in the duration of uterine contraction before and after the intervention done by p &lt;0.05, and the duration of the contractions of the uterus in the intervention group longer 10.270 seconds in the control group of 2,297 seconds. Effleurage massage has a significant influence on the duration of uterine contraction on at parturient active phase I.

Effect of hyoscine–n-butyl bromide (Buscopan) rectal suppository in active phase of labour in primigravida

Introduction: Labour is a physiological process characterized by onset of uterine contractions leading to progressive increase in frequency, intensity and duration of uterine contractions, effacement and dilatation of cervix with descent of foetus through birth canal resulting in delivery of foetus with placenta and membranes. Hyoscine butyl bromide is most commonly used in labour room and has variable results in both primigravida and multigravida. Aim and Objective: 1. To evaluate the efficacy of Hyoscine-n- butyl bromide (buscopan) suppository in the active phase of labour in a primigravida.2. To evaluate the maternal and fetal complications of using the buscopan suppository. Materials and Methodology: Primigravida with gestational age 37 completed weeks - 40 weeks admitted in the labour ward with spontaneous onset of labour or induced labour who-fulfil the inclusion & exclusion criteria were randomly selected in this study after taking informed consent. Study group: 150 pregnant women at the initiation of active phase allowed forlabour with instillation of single dose of Buscopan rectal suppository (10 mg) in active phase for cervical dilatation. Control group: 150 pregnant women at the initiation of active phase allowed forlabour without any drug for cervical dilatation. Study Design: Prospective case control study. Result: The mean duration of active phase of labour in study group is 3 hours 10 minutes & in control 5 hours 44 minutes. The difference between both the groups was statistically significant (‘p’ value < 0.001). No significant difference in maternal and fetal complications between study group and control group. Conclusion: Buscopan suppository was very effective in reducing the duration of active phase of labour by promoting cervical dilatation. There was no significant second or third stage complication with the use of the drug. No untoward side effects were noted in the mother or foetus.

The Relation between Intravenous Fluid Intake and the Course of Labour in Primigravida

AbstractObjectives: To study the impact of maternal intravenous hydration on the following: Labor duration, the need for oxytocin administration, and the occurrence of adverse out-comes due to prolonged labor.Patients and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial 120 nulliparous women with normal singleton pregnancies divided in to three groups. Group A: Included 40 pregnant women received 250ml per hour. Group B: Included 40 pregnant women received 125ml per hour. Group C: Included 40 pregnant women did not receive any IV fluids.Results: The duration of uterine contractions and active labor we found that all these measures were significantly higher in the 250ml group 37.9±3. 1 than in the 125ml group and the control group. There was no significant difference in frequency of oxytocin administration for inadequate labor progress and mode of delivery between the three groups. There was no significant difference between the three groups according to neonatal wellbeing by apgar score at 1,5 and 10 minute after birth.Conclusion: It has been found that adequately hydrated women had a shorter labor duration than poorly hydrated women and that they did not require oxytocin as frequently for labor augmentation.

Comparison of the Effect of Pressure on Bladder-GV20 and Gallbladder-GV20 on Labor Pain Intensity among the Primiparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The cycle of pain, fear, and anxiety may lead to prolonged labor and cesarean section. Acupressure is one of the methods for pain relief. Aim: Therefore,this study aimed to compare the effect of acupressure on bladder-GV20 and gallbladder-GV20 points on the labor pain in primiparous women. Method: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 158 primiparous women, who referred to the Um Al-Benin Specialized Women Hospital, Mashhad, Iran in 2017. The first stage of labor included five and four pressure cycles on acupressure points in bladder and gallbladder in the intervention groups 1 and 2, respectively. In the second stage of labor one pressure cycle on the same points were completed. The control group only received the routine cares. The duration of uterine contractions was assessed by touching the uterus apex. Moreover, the pain intensity was evaluated by the visual analog scale. All the data were analyzed by the SPSS version 25 Results: The mean pain intensity in both stages of the intervention groups was significantly different from the control group and was significantly lower in the gallbladder group (P<0.001). The mean duration of contractions in the first stage was significantly different between the three groups (P<0.001). Implications for Practice: According to the findings of this study,pressure on bladder-GV20 and gallbladder-GV20 points can attenuate pain intensity in the first and second stages of labor. Moreover, this technique prolongs the duration of contractions in the first stage of labor. Consequently, this method can be recommended as a complementary approach in labor.

EFFECT OF HYPNOBIRTHING ON THE PROGRESS OF THE LATENT PHASE OF LABOR IN PRIMIGRAVIDA

Background: The first stage of labor is a tiring moment for mothers, which may cause exhaustion, dehydration, risk of infection, uterine atony, and postpartum hemorrhage. Hypnobirthing is considered effective to speed up early labor process.&#x0D; Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of hypnobirthing on the progress of the latent phase of labor.&#x0D; Methods: This study was a quasi-experiment with posttest only control group design. Thirty-two primigravida mothers in the latent phase of labor were selected using purposive sampling, with 16 assigned in the experiment group and the control group. The progress of labor was measured by four indicators recorded in partograph, namely frequency and duration of uterine contraction, cervical dilatation, and descent of the fetal head. Independent t-test was used for data analysis.&#x0D; Results: There was a significant difference in the frequency of uterine contraction (p=0.001), duration of contraction (p=0.001), cervical dilatation (p=0.007), and descent of the fetal head (p=0.001) between the experiment group and the control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Hypnobirthing technique is significant in accelerating the progress of the latent phase of labor in primigravida mothers.

Comparison between continuous subarachnoid block with ropivacaine or sufentanil either alone or in combination for labor analgesia

Objective To compare the continuous subarachnoid block with ropivacaine or sufentanil either alone or in combination for labor analgesia. Methods Ninety nulliparous parturients who required labor analgesia voluntarily, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, aged 23-35 yr, with a body height of 155-170 cm, were included in this study.When regular uterine contraction appeared, labor analgesia was performed in the first stage of labor.The parturients were divided into 3 groups(n=30 each)using a random number table: ropivacaine group(group R), sufentanil group(group S), and combination of ropivacaine and sufentanil group(group RS). The spinal catheter was placed at L3, 4 interspace.In group R, ropivacaine was given as an initial bolus of(0.6 mg/ml)5 ml followed by an infusion of 0.2 mg/ml after the analgesia pump was connected.In group S, sufentanil was given as an initial bolus of(1.6 μg/ml)5 ml followed by an infusion of 0.2 μg/ml after the analgesia pump was connected.In group RS, the mixture of ropivacaine 0.3 mg/ml plus sufentanil 0.8 μg/ml was given as an initial bolus of 5 ml, followed by an infusion of the mixture of ropivacaine 0.1 mg/ml plus sufentanil 0.1 μg/ml after the analgesia pump was connected.The analgesia pump was programmed to deliver a 5 ml bolus dose with a 15 min lockout interval, background infusion at a rate of 5 ml/h, and the total volume of 100 ml in the three groups.The analgesia pump was connected at 30 min after the initial bolus was given, and the infusion was stopped at 2 h after delivery in the three groups.Visual analog scale(VAS)scores were maintained ≤3.VAS scores were recorded before analgesia and at 5, 10 and 30 min after the initial bolus was given.The interval and duration of uterine contraction were recorded before analgesia, in 0-30 min, 30-60 min and 90-120 min of analgesia periods, and in the second stage of labor.The development of nausea and vomiting, pruritus, lateral episiotomy, assisted vaginal delivery, cesarean section, and post-dural puncture headache and requirement for oxytocin were recorded.Apgar scores at 1, 5 and 10 min after birth were recorded. Results The Apgar score of the newborn was more than or equal to 7 at 1, 5 and 10 min after birth in the three groups.Compared with the value before analgesia, the interval of uterine contraction was significantly prolonged, and the duration of uterine contraction was significantly shortened in the 0-30 min of analgesia period in group R(P 0.05). Compared with group R, the VAS scores were significantly increased at 5 and 10 min after the initial bolus was given, the interval of uterine contraction was significantly shortened, and the duration of uterine contraction was significantly prolonged in S and RS groups, and the incidence of pruritus was significantly decreased in group S(P 0.05). Conclusion Continuous subarachnoid block with combination of ropivacaine and sufentanil provides better efficacy for labor analgesia than either alone. Key words: Amides; Sufentanil; Anesthesia, spinal; Analgesia, obstetrical

Comparing the performance of a new disposable pneumatic tocodynamometer with a standard tocodynamometer

The goal was to test a newly developed pneumatic tocodynamometer (pTOCO) that is disposable and lightweight, and evaluate its equivalence to the standard strain gauge-based tocodynamometer (TOCO). The equivalence between the devices was determined by both mechanical testing and recording of contractile events on women. The data were recorded simultaneously from a pTOCO prototype and standard TOCO that were in place on women who were undergoing routine contraction monitoring in the Labor and Delivery unit at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. In this prospective equivalence study, the output from 31 recordings on 28 pregnant women that had 171 measureable contractions simultaneously in both types of TOCO were analyzed. The traces were scored for contraction start, peak and end times, and the duration of the event was computed from these times. The response curve to loaded weights and applied pressure were similar for both devices, indicating their mechanical equivalence. The paired differences in times and duration between devices were subjected to mixed-models analysis to test the pTOCO for equivalence with standard TOCOs using the two-one-sided tests procedure. The event times and duration analyzed simultaneously from both TOCO types were all found to be significantly equivalent to within ±10 s (all p-values ≤0.0001). pTOCO is equivalent to the standard TOCO in the detection of the timing and duration of uterine contractions. pTOCO would provide a lightweight, disposable alternative to commercially available standard TOCOs.

Effect of Birth Ball Usage on Pain in the Active Phase of Labor: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Anxiety can be a contributor to labor pain, which is known to be multifactorial. Because there is little information available on the efficacy of birth ball use for labor pain management, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of use of a birth ball on labor pain, contractions, and duration of the active phase of labor. In this randomized controlled trial, 60 primiparous women aged 18 to 35 years were divided into birth ball and control groups. Pain scores were measured by a visual analogue scale. Mean pain scores in the birth ball group were significantly lower than the mean pain scores in the control group (P < .05). There were no significant differences between duration of the active phase of labor or the interval between uterine contractions in the 2 groups (P > .05). Although the use of a birth ball had no effect on the duration of the active phase of labor, the duration of uterine contractions, or the interval between contractions, this complementary treatment could reduce the intensity of pain during the active phase of labor.

Labor Admission Test

ABSTRACT Labor admission test (LAT) is performed at the onset of labor to establish fetal well-being in low-risk pregnancies and identify those fetuses who either may be hypoxic, needing delivery or at risk of developing hypoxia during labor so that additional measures of fetal surveillance can be instituted to prevent adverse outcomes. We searched the literature in Medline, Cochrane Library and PubMed using the words— cardiotocograph, cardiotocogram, nonstress test, vibroacoustic stimulus (VAS), amniotic fluid index (AFI), Doppler, labor admission test, labor admission cardiotocography (CTG) and reviewed four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and three systematic reviews to summarize the current evidence regarding use of LAT. Although the existing RCTs and systematic reviews do not favor admission testing, we have critically reviewed the methodology used in some of these major studies. There is a need for robust RCTs with adequate sample size to evaluate the effectiveness of LAT. In clinical practice, while a normal admission CTG reassures the mother and the clinician about the health of the baby, an admission CTG with nonreassuring FHR pattern leads to careful review which may reveal a growth restricted or compromised fetus before onset of active labor when the risk of fetal hypoxia is higher with increasing frequency and duration of uterine contractions. Like in other obstetric interventions, the woman should be offered the choice of LAT after providing appropriate information and her informed decision should be respected.

Effect of short-term hypothyroidism on reproduction in the bitch

Hypothyroidism in bitches has been reported to cause a variable interestrus interval, infertility, abortion, and stillbirth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of experimentally induced hypothyroidism in bitches on fertility, pregnancy, parturition, and neonatal health. Eighteen healthy multiparous bitches were used; hypothyroidism was induced (by radioiodine administration) in nine bitches and the remaining nine served as untreated controls. After breeding, bitches were evaluated for pregnancy, fetal resorption, gestation length, litter size, duration and strength of uterine contractions (during parturition), interval between delivery of pups, viability of pups at birth, periparturient survival, and weight of pups at birth through 4 weeks of age. Bitches were bred a median of 19 weeks after induction of hypothyroidism. All bitches became pregnant and delivered term litters. There was no difference in the interestrus interval, litter size, or gestation length between hypothyroid and control bitches. Duration of uterine contractions was longer, but contraction strength was weaker in hypothyroid than control bitches; however, the interval between delivery of pups was not affected. Periparturient puppy mortality was significantly higher in litters from hypothyroid bitches. Viability scores and weight at birth were significantly lower in pups from hypothyroid bitches than controls. There was no difference between groups in pup weight gain during the first 4 weeks, in the interval from birth to the eyes opened, or to the onset of walking. Although hypothyroidism of relatively short duration did not affect fertility, it prolonged parturition and reduced pup survival in the periparturient period.

Effects of coitus and the artificial insemination of different volumes of fresh semen on uterine contractions in mares

Uterine contractions may play an important role in the transportation of spermatozoa towards the site of fertilisation in the oviduct of mares. M-mode ultrasound was used to measure the number,...

Contractile reactivity of human myometrium in isolated non-pregnant uteri

Perfusion of the isolated uterus has been shown to be a feasible experimental system for studies of the human endometrium and myometrium. Utilizing our established experimental perfusion model we perfused 20 uteri for 27 h and investigated the contractile reactivity of the myometrium in response to 17beta-estradiol (E2) and oxytocin (OT). Uteri of group A (n = 4) were stimulated with OT; group B (n = 4) was treated continuously with E2; group C (n = 4) received both E2 and OT for 27 h; group D (n = 4) was perfused for 27 h with E2 with the addition of OT for the last 3 h of the experiment; group E (n = 4) as control group remained without any treatment. The pressure and duration of uterine contractions were recorded during the entire perfusion period using intramural and endoluminal pressure catheters. Compared to the other treatment groups and controls, the most effective myometrial activity was achieved in group D during the OT stimulation period. No relevant myometrial activity was detected in the control group. Continuous E2 treatment, with the addition of OT for the last 3 h of the 27 h perfusion period, led to the most pronounced uterotonic effects in the presented experimental condition.

Involvement of alpha-adrenoceptors in myometrial responses in the pro-oestral rat.

1. Myometrial responses to different agents acting on adrenoceptors were examined in vivo in the pro-oestrous rat. Changes in spontaneous uterine mechanical activity were recorded isometrically and evaluated in terms of amplitude and duration of uterine contractions. 2. Phenylephrine (10 micrograms kg-1) markedly increased the amplitude and duration of contractions and 40 micrograms kg-1 gave rise to tetanic contractions. 3. Administration of either nicergoline (400 micrograms kg-1) or phentolamine (1000 micrograms kg-1) to phenylephrine-primed rat uterus reduced the strength of contractions and phentolamine abolished the phenylephrine-induced uterine contracture. 4. Following blockade of alpha 2-adrenoceptors by yohimbine (1000 micrograms kg-1) and beta-adrenoceptors by propranolol (2400 micrograms kg-1), a single injection of phenylephrine (100 micrograms kg-1) increased the amplitude of uterine contractions by 30%. 5. Noradrenaline reduced the amplitude of contractions and caused elevation of the baseline level. The response of myometrium to the combination of both propranolol and noradrenaline was the establishment of uterine contracture with subsequent increase of the duration of contractions. 6. These results clearly demonstrate the involvement of alpha-adrenoceptors in the myometrial activity of the rat in vivo during pro-oestrus.