Uterine contractility as assessed by abdominal surface recording of electromyographic activity in rats during pregnancy

Article Abstract:

The electrical activity caused by uterine contractions may be accurately measured from the surface of the abdomen during late pregnancy. Researchers used a noninvasive electromyography device to measure the electrical activity of contractions from the uterus and from the surface of the abdomen throughout pregnancy in rats. Electrical activity measurements differed considerably from the uterus and abdominal surface in early pregnancy. In late pregnancy and during labor, however, measurements corresponded, meaning that uterine contractions may be measurable from the body surface. Electrical measurements of contractions were simultaneously measured in the uterus and at the surface. Such measurements may also be used to tell when the uterus is primed for labor. Vaginal stimulation may cause uterine contractions only during labor.

Usage, Measurement, Muscle contraction, Electromyography, Abdomen, Abdominal muscles

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Agonists increase the sensitivity of contractile elements for Ca++ in pregnant rat myometrium

Article Abstract:

Certain chemicals produced within the body appear to increase the contractile force of uterine muscle cells by enhancing their sensitivity to calcium ion. Researchers explored the metabolic pathways involved in uterine contractions by comparing the strength of contractions elicited in strips of rat uterine muscle exposed to various combinations of chemicals produced during uterine muscle contraction. Since these chemicals produced stronger contractions without increasing the amount of calcium ion within the cell, they probably work by increasing sensitivity to calcium ion.

G proteins

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Comparison of nitric oxide and prostacyclin in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of human umbilical artery at midgestation

Article Abstract:

Nitric oxide appears to play a role in the relaxation properties of umbilical blood vessels midway through pregnancy. Researchers studied the contraction and relaxation properties of chemically stimulated muscle strips, some with intact lining cells, from umbilical blood vessel samples obtained from premature newborns. L-NG-nitro arginine, a chemical that blocks nitric oxide, enhanced the contractions as well as blocking the relaxation of muscle strips with intact lining cells. Prostacyclin produced a similar but not as powerful a response.

Nitric oxide, Vascular endothelium, Prostacyclin, Umbilical arteries, Endothelium-derived relaxing factors

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