Does preincubation with prostaglandin E1 or prostaglandin E2 enhance oxytocin-induced myometrial contractility in vitro?

Abstract

Objective: To determine if preincubation with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and E2 (PGE2) enhances oxytocin-induced myometrial contractility in vitro.

Study design: Myometrial strips from 13 women were incubated with PGE1 (10-5 mol/L or 10-6 mol/L), PGE2 (10-5 mol/L or 10-6 mol/L) or solvent before adding cumulative concentrations of oxytocin (10-10 to 10-6 mol/L). The area under the contraction curve was calculated after addition of each agent. One- and two-way analysis of variance was used for comparison (significance p < 0.05).

Results: PGE2 10-5 mol/L reduced response to oxytocin 10-9 to 10-6 mol/L (p < 0.05). PGE2 reduced spontaneous myometrial contractility as compared with PGE1 (p < 0.05). A dose-dependent negative effect of prostaglandins was detected on oxytocin 10-8 mol/L (10-5 mol/L > 10-6 mol/L; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Contrary to the hypothesis, neither PGE1 nor PGE2 enhanced oxytocin-induced myometrial contractility; in fact, PGE2 decreased contractility.