Contractile reactivity of human myometrium in isolated non-pregnant uteri

Abstract

Background: Perfusion of the isolated uterus has been shown to be a feasible experimental system for studies of the human endometrium and myometrium. Utilizing our established experimental perfusion model we perfused 20 uteri for 27 h and investigated the contractile reactivity of the myometrium in response to 17β-estradiol (E2) and oxytocin (OT). Methods: Uteri of group A (n = 4) were stimulated with OT; group B (n = 4) was treated continuously with E2; group C (n = 4) received both E2 and OT for 27 h; group D (n = 4) was perfused for 27 h with E2 with the addition of OT for the last 3 h of the experiment; group E (n = 4) as control group remained without any treatment. The pressure and duration of uterine contractions were recorded during the entire perfusion period using intramural and endoluminal pressure catheters. Results: Compared to the other treatment groups and controls, the most effective myometrial activity was achieved in group D during the OT stimulation period. No relevant myometrial activity was detected in the control group. Conclusions: Continuous E2 treatment, with the addition of OT for the last 3 h of the 27 h perfusion period, led to the most pronounced uterotonic effects in the presented experimental condition. © The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved.