Involvement of a nitric-oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in control of human uterine contractility during pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Nitric oxide may work with cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to keep uterine muscle relaxed and to prevent contractions during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed strips of uterine muscle from pregnant women in labor, pregnant women not in labor, and from nonpregnant women to determine if a nitric oxide-cGMP relaxation pathway exists. Various enzymes were used to show that nitric oxide stimulates the concentration of cGMP in the pregnant uterus. The pregnant uterus relaxes in response to the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway, but the relaxation response decreases during labor. Reasons for the decrease in relaxation response during labor are unknown, but might result from reductions in cGMP and nitric oxide. High doses of nitric oxide donating substances may prevent contractions.

Muscle contraction, Cyclic guanylic acid, Cyclic guanosine monophosphate

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Effect of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide on uterine contractility during human and rat pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Nitric oxide inhibits the contraction of the uterus in both pregnant rats and pregnant humans. This may explain why the uterus remains relatively calm during pregnancy and does not begin to contract until labor begins. Carbon monoxide appears to have no effect on the uterus.

Carbon monoxide

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Nitric oxide synthases in human cervix at term pregnancy and effects of nitric oxide on cervical smooth muscle contractility

Article Abstract:

Nitric oxide can be produced by the uterine cervix, which may contribute to cervical ripening during labor. Nitric oxide has many functions in the body, but is best known as a blood vessel relaxant.

Cervix uteri

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