Influence of oxytocin and meperidine on the isolated human umbilical artery.
The influence of oxytocin and meperidine on responses of the isolated umbilical artery to acetylcholine (ACh) and/or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was investigated. 32 preparations from 21 normal full-term deliveries were utilized. The Bunce double-blade hemostat provided an excellent means to collect cord specimens with the least postpartal changes. A method of simultaneously measuring the resistance to flow and longitudinal tension in the perfused artery was found to be a sensitive way to register functional responses. Results showed that oxytocin enhanced the response of the umbilical artery to ACh and 5-HT while meperidine blocked the constriction produced by 5-HT. Both these effects lasted from 30 min to more than 2 h and were reversible.
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008614:Meperidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012701:Serotonin / Q000494:pharmacology; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000187:drug effects*; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000187:drug effects*
D012701:Serotonin; D010121:Oxytocin; D008614:Meperidine; D000109:Acetylcholine