Inhibition of contractions of the isolated human myometrium by potassium channel openers
Article Abstract:
The potassium channel openers aprikalim and BRL 38227 relax uterine muscle and may be useful in preventing preterm labor and dysmenorrhea. Beta-adrenoceptor agonists are the drugs most commonly prescribed to relax the uterus and prevent preterm delivery. However, their use is limited and is associated with serious side effects. Aprikalim and BRL 38227 were tested on uterine muscle samples from nine non-pregnant women and 13 pregnant women. Aprikalim and BRL 38227 reduced muscle contractions induced by low doses of potassium chloride in samples from both the pregnant and non-pregnant women. They also rapidly reduced contractions induced by the hormone oxytocin in samples from both groups. Glibenclamide, which is thought to block adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels, inhibited the ability of aprikalim and BRL 38227 to relax the muscle contractions.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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Activation of large-conductance potassium channels in pregnant human myometrium by pinacidil
Article Abstract:
Drugs that open the large-conductance calcium-dependent potassium channel in uterine muscle might be useful in preventing premature labor. These channels reduce the generation of nerve impulses, which prevents muscle contraction. Researchers exposed biopsy samples of uterine muscle to a chemical called pinacidil. Pinacidil is a chemical that opens large-conductance calcium-dependent potassium channels. The chemical relaxed the tissue samples and this relaxation was blocked by charybdotoxin, which is a chemical from scorpion venom that blocks large-conductance calcium-dependent potassium channels.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1998
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Potent inhibition by tamoxifen of spontaneous and agonist-induced contractions of the human myometrium and intramyometrial arteries
Article Abstract:
Tamoxifen may be a possible treatment for painful menstrual cycles by inhibiting uterine muscle contractions. Researchers tested the effect of tamoxifen on strips of uterine muscle and on uterine arteries from uteri removed by hysterectomy. Tamoxifen significantly inhibited contractions of both uterine muscle and uterine arteries even at low concentrations. The inhibiting effect of tamoxifen was cancelled by the presence of glibenclamide. Tamoxifen is an antiestrogen that is used to treat breast cancer and other malignant tumors.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1997
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