Erythromycin inhibits prostaglandin F2alpha-induced contractions of myometrium isolated from non-pregnant rats.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of erythromycin on prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha)-induced contractions of isolated myometrial strips from non-pregnant rats.


METHODS
In vitro pharmacological study.


METHODS
Firat University Faculty of Medicine.


METHODS
Myometrium samples were taken from 55 adult Wistar rats.


METHODS
Myometrial strips were isolated from mature, non-pregnant Wistar rats. Isometric contractions of these strips were induced with 1 microM PGF2alpha. Effects of 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 mM erythromycin on the frequency and amplitude of these PGF2alpha-induced contractions were recorded.


METHODS
The inhibition of prostaglandin F2alpha-induced contractions in vitro.


RESULTS
Application of 0.01 mM erythromycin had no effect on either amplitude or frequency of contractions. However, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 mM erythromycin decreased the frequency and amplitude of PGF2alpha-induced contractions. The inhibitory effect of erythromycin on amplitude was 27%, 38%, 54% and 83% (P < 0.05), and that on frequency was 10%, 16%, 32% and 61% (P < 0.05) at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 mM concentrations, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study demonstrate that erythromycin inhibits PGF2alpha-induced contractions in rat myometrium. Because PGF2alpha-induced contractions have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of primary dysmenorrhoea, effects of erythromycin in this clinical entity may present a new approach for the treatment.
Celik
Husnu
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey.
Ayar
Ahmet
A
Baltaci
Abdulkerim
A
Tug
Niyazi
N
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015237:Dinoprost / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011500:Protein Synthesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010120:Oxytocics; D011500:Protein Synthesis Inhibitors; D004917:Erythromycin; D015237:Dinoprost