Prostaglandin-induced activation of uterine contractility in pregnant rats does not involve potassium channels.
OBJECTIVE
The uterus is a target for prostaglandins, especially at the end of gestation. Whether potassium channels are involved in the effect of prostaglandins is not clear. The aim of this study was to find out.


METHODS
Concentration-response relationships to prostaglandins (prostaglandin F2alpha, prostaglandin E2, and prostaglandin I2 [carbacyclin]; 10(-10) mol/L-10(-4) mol/L) were studied in isolated uterine rings from mid pregnancy (day 14) and late pregnancy (day 21) rats (Krebs solution, 5% CO2 in air, 37 degrees C; pH, 7.4). Rings were incubated for 30 minutes with either solvent or adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel inhibitor or opener glibenclamide and levcromakalim or with calcium-sensitive potassium channel inhibitor or opener NS1619 and iberiotoxin, respectively. The changes in integral activity were compared after each concentration of the agent and were expressed as a percent of the basal integral activity.


RESULTS
The increases in spontaneous contractile activity induced by prostaglandin E2 and carbacyclin, but not prostaglandin F2alpha, were statistically significantly higher in tissues from late pregnancy versus mid pregnancy rats and were not affected by any of the K-channel openers or inhibitors.


CONCLUSIONS
Adenosine triphosphate-sensitive and calcium-sensitive potassium channels are not involved in the effect of prostaglandin F2alpha, prostaglandin E2, and prostaglandin I2 on pregnant rat uterus.
Bailie
Carolyn A l
CA
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA.
Vedernikov
Yuri P
YP
Saade
George R
GR
Garfield
Robert E
RE
D000818:Animals; D015237:Dinoprost / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D015221:Potassium Channels; C026678:carboprostacyclin; D015237:Dinoprost; D011464:Epoprostenol; D015232:Dinoprostone