Cocaine's effect on plasma oxytocin concentrations in the baboon during late pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Use of cocaine in late pregnancy may trigger labor by increasing oxytocin levels in blood plasma. Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates labor contractions. Researchers used five baboons in late pregnancy as a model for human pregnancies to measure the effect of intravenously administered cocaine on oxytocin levels in plasma. Oxytocin levels in plasma increased in baboons given one milligram of cocaine per kilogram of body weight. Lower doses of cocaine did not significantly elevate oxytocin levels. Pregnant women who use cocaine may have an increased risk of preterm labor, perhaps because of elevated oxytocin levels. Use of oxytocin inhibitors may prevent preterm delivery in cocaine-using pregnant women.

Complications and side effects, Pregnant women, Drug use, Cocaine, Oxytocin

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Regional variations in contractile responses to prostaglandins and prostanoid receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in pregnant baboon uterus

Article Abstract:

Different regions of the uterus appear to have different prostaglandin receptors. During childbirth, the top part of the uterus must contract to push the baby through the birth canal, but the lower part must relax to allow the baby to pass through. Uterine contraction is caused by prostaglandins, which are naturally occurring hormones. Researchers used samples of uterine tissue from pregnant baboons to show that prostaglanding E2 caused samples from the upper part of the uterus to contract but had no effect on samples from the lower part. Four different cell receptors for prostaglandin E2 were present in different concentrations throughout the uterus.

Uterus, Uterine contractions, Prostaglandins E

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Effects of labetalol on uterine blood flow and cardiovascular hemodynamics in the hypertensive gravid baboon

Article Abstract:

A low dose of labetalol may be an effective treatment for hypertension without affecting uterine blood flow. A study examined the effect of different doses of intravenous labetalol on uterine blood flow in six pregnant baboons with hypertension. All doses of labetalol significantly reduced the average arterial blood pressure of the baboons. Treatment with the lowest dose of labetalol did not change uterine artery blood flow. Uterine artery blood flow dropped significantly after treatment with the two higher doses of labetalol. Changes in uterine blood flow in a pregnant woman can have an adverse effect on the developing fetus.

Health aspects, Hypertension, Drug therapy, Uterine circulation, Labetalol

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