Physiologic role of nitric oxide in the maintenance of uterine quiescence in nonpregnant and pregnant sheep

Article Abstract:

Nitric oxide does not appear to inhibit uterine contractions, according to a study in sheep. This was true even when the sheep were given oxytocin, a drug used to induce labor in humans.

Pregnancy, Uterine contractions

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Estrogen increases nitric oxide synthase activity in the uterus of nonpregnant sheep

Article Abstract:

Estrogen may stimulate nitric oxide reactions dependent on calcium ions in the muscular uterine tissue of nonpregnant sheep. Researchers synchronized the estrous cycles of nonpregnant sheep before surgically removing both ovaries. Sheep uteruses were then removed after three days of treatment with estrogen or placebo. The various layers of the uterus were examined for evidence of nitric oxide reactions. Such reactions were noted only in the muscular layer of the uterus that was exposed to estrogen, and these reactions were dependent on calcium ion activity. The greater nitric oxide activity in the estrogen-treated uterus may play a role in the increase of blood in the uterus during an animal's sexually-receptive cycle, and in muscular control of the animal uterus throughout reproduction.

Estrogen, Estrogens

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Functional and molecular characterization of nitric oxide synthase in the endometrium and myometrium of pregnant sheep during the last third of gestation

Article Abstract:

In sheep, type 1 nitric oxide synthase occurs in the myometrium and type 3 nitric oxide synthase occurs in the endometrium. The enzyme that synthesizes nitric oxide occurs in three forms and type 1 was originally found in nerves whereas type 3 was found in blood vessels. It is clear that they can occur in other tissues and organs.

Endometrium, Myometrium

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