title: The adipokine apelin and human uterine contractility.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Obesity is an increasing problem in obstetric practice. Apelin, secreted by adipocytes, is present in increased serum concentrations in an obese state. Our group has previously highlighted that the adipokines leptin and ghrelin have a potential role in metabolic modulation of uterine contractility in obese women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of apelin on human uterine contractility in vitro.
  
  
  METHODS
  Biopsies of human myometrium were obtained at elective cesarean section. Myometrial strips suspended under isometric conditions, undergoing spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions, were exposed to cumulative additions of apelin in the concentration range of 1 nmol/L to 1 μmol/L. Control experiments were performed simultaneously.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Apelin exerted an inhibitory effect on spontaneous and oxytocin induced contractions in human myometrium. The mean maximal inhibition values were 36.8 ± 6.4% for spontaneous (n = 6; P = .002) and 30.4 ± 4.6% for oxytocin-induced contractions (n = 6; P < .0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Apelin inhibits human uterine contractility in vitro, raising the possibility that such metabolic modulation may play a physiological role in obese parturients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Science Institute, University College Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Mark P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Hehir
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Morrison
mesh_terms: D054392:Adipokines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000073861:Apelin; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D009215:Myometrium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: C115436:APLN protein, human; D054392:Adipokines; D000073861:Apelin; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D010121:Oxytocin