Aquaporin (AQP) water channels are small hydrophobic integral membrane proteins. AQP5 expression, which is regulated by oxytocin, showed a dramatic down-regulation at the term and preterm uterus. Since antibiotics are among the drugs to treat intrauterine infections, our aim was to study the effects of antibiotics on AQP5 and uterine contractility on 22-day pregnant rats. The change in uterine AQP5 expression was investigated by PCR and Western blot techniques. Uterine contractility was tested in an organ bath system. 7 days of pre-treatment with amoxicillin or single dose of fosfomycin decreased the AQP5 protein level, while 7 days of treatment with doxycycline had no effect. Fosfomycin or amoxicillin pre-treatments enhanced, while doxycycline pre-treatment did not alter the oxytocin-induced contractions. Amoxicillin and fosfomycin may sensitize the uterus to oxytocin via the reduction of AQP5 expression. This synergism might have importance during the pharmacotherapy of infection-related preterm birth.
Keywords: Amoxicillin; Aquaporin 5; Doxycycline; Fosfomycin; Pregnancy.
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