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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development
Published on: January 26, 2018
Inhibitory effect of leptin on human uterine contractility in vitro
Audrey T Moynihan1, Mark P Hehir, Siobhan V Glavey
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Science Institute, University College Hospital Galway, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of leptin on human uterine contractility in vitro.
Study Design:
Biopsies of human myometrium were obtained at elective cesarean section (n = 18). Dissected myometrial strips suspended under isometric conditions, undergoing spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions, were exposed to cumulative additions of leptin in the concentration range of 1 nmol/L to 1 micromol/L. Control strips were run simultaneously. Integrals of contractile activity were measured using the PowerLab hardware unit and Chart v3.6 software.
Results:
Leptin exerted a potent and cumulative inhibitory effect on spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions compared to control strips. The mean maximal inhibition values were as follows: 46.794 +/- 5.133% (n = 6; P < .001) for spontaneous contractions and 42.323 +/- 3.692% (n = 6; P < .001) for oxytocin-induced contractions. There was an apparent reduction in both frequency and amplitude of contractions.
Conclusion:
This physiologic inhibitory effect of leptin on uterine contractility may play a role in the dysfunctional labor process associated with maternal obesity, and the resultant high cesarean section rates.
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