Oxytocin antagonists in preterm labour and delivery.
Evidence has been gained that an oxytocin receptor antagonist given by intravenous infusion effectively stops uterine contractions in threatened as well as in actual preterm labour. The findings suggest that the increase of oxytocin receptors is aetiologically important in uncomplicated preterm labour. Oxytocin antagonists could therefore be an attractive alternative to currently used drugs by virtue of their high specificity and lack of serious side-effects. Their use in prophylactic and maintenance therapy may be greater when modified analogues have been developed that allow non-parenteral therapy.
Melin
P
P
Ferring Research Institute AB, Malmö, Sweden.
D000818:Animals; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin / Q000187:drug effects; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin; D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin; D010121:Oxytocin