5-HT3 receptor antagonists do not alter spontaneous contraction of pregnant myometrium in vitro

Abstract

Background: 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are effective antiemetics for perioperative use. However, their effects on myometrial contractility remain unknown. We examined whether three different 5-HT3 receptor antagonists could affect the contraction of human myometrium.

Methods: Samples of human myometrium were taken from parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery. Effects of ondansetron, granisetron and tropisetron (over a range of 1-10(4)ng/mL) on spontaneous contraction (ratios of amplitude, interval, and duration of the contraction) were examined and compared to saline controls (n=6 for each agent).

Results: None of the three 5-HT3 receptor antagonists significantly affected myometrial contraction.

Conclusion: 5-HT3 receptor antagonists do not affect the contraction of myometrial strips isolated from term pregnant women.

Keywords: 5-HT3 receptor antagonists; Myometrium; Term pregnancy.