Biomathematical pattern of EMG signal propagation in smooth muscle of the non-pregnant porcine uterus

PLoS One. 2017 Mar 10;12(3):e0173452. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173452. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Uterine contractions are generated by myometrial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) that comprise most of the myometrial layer of the uterine wall. Aberrant uterine motility (i.e., hypo- or hyper-contractility or asynchronous contractions) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of infertility due to the failure of implantation, endometriosis and abnormal estrous cycles. The mechanism whereby the non-pregnant uterus initiates spontaneous contractions remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to employ linear synchronization measures for analyzing the pattern of EMG signal propagation (direction and speed) in smooth muscles of the non-pregnant porcine uterus in vivo using telemetry recording system. It has been revealed that the EMG signal conduction in the uterine wall of the non-pregnant sow does not occur at random but it rather exhibits specific directions and speed. All detectable EMG signals moved along the uterine horn in both cervico-tubal and tubo-cervical directions. The signal migration speed could be divided into the three main types or categories: i. slow basic migration rhythm (SBMR); ii. rapid basic migration rhythm (RBMR); and iii. rapid accessory migration rhythm (RAMR). In conclusion, the EMG signal propagation in smooth muscles of the porcine uterus in vivo can be assessed using a linear synchronization model. Physiological pattern of the uterine contractile activity determined in this study provides a basis for future investigations of normal and pathologicall myogenic function of the uterus.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Models, Biological*
  • Myography / methods
  • Myometrium / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Swine
  • Uterine Contraction / physiology*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the State Committee for Research Investigation grant NN308 077439, Narodowe Centrum Nauki, https://www.ncn.gov.pl/. This work was conducted in the Veterinary Research Centre WULS (WCB) and the Center for Biomedical Research (CBB) supported by EFRR RPO WM 2007-2013. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.