title: Review: significance of the inhibition by prostaglandins and cyclic GMP of oxytocinase activity in human pregnancy and labour.
abstract: The uterotonic action of oxytocin has been known for many decades. This neurohypophysial hormone is thought to play a functional role in human parturition. Since 1968, prostaglandins have also been implicated in parturition. These two groups of uterotonic agents have now a recognized therapeutic role, and are widely used in the induction of labour and in fertility control. However, the mechanism of action and the interrelationship between these endogenous compounds in pregnancy are poorly understood. In this article, the role and interaction of oxytocin, oxytocinase and prostaglandins in human pregnancy and labour have been reviewed. Inhibition of oxytocinase activity by prostaglandins has been suggested as a mechanism in parturition. Possible involvement of cyclic GMP in the initiation of labour has also been discussed.
mesh_terms: D000626:Aminopeptidases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000502:physiology*; D010122:Cystinyl Aminopeptidase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000502:physiology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin; D014599:Uterus / Q000294:innervation
chemical_list: D011453:Prostaglandins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin; D010121:Oxytocin; D000626:Aminopeptidases; D010122:Cystinyl Aminopeptidase; D006152:Cyclic GMP