[Investigation of the changes in uterine myocytes size depending on contractile activity modulators by photon...

By using photon correlation spectroscopy the effect of contractile activity modulators of smooth muscle to the size (diameter) of rats uterine muscle cells was investigated. Cells were studied by using laser confocal microscopy as objects mostly oval or nearly oval form. The diameter of myocytes, assessed by photon correlation spectroscopy, was amounted 7-10 microm which is Consistent with the results obtained by using laser confocal microscopy. It is shown that the myoconstricted agents as Ca2+ ionophore A-23187 (10 microM) and K(+)-channels inhibitors (tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine in a concentration of 1 mM) leading to decrease the diameter of the cells by 22%, 12% and 24% in average respectively. The ouabain, that reduces contractile activity of smooth muscle, leads to increase this parameter up 23% from control. Thus, decreasing/increasing the diameter of uterine myocytes correlates with their well known influence on myometrium constriction/relaxation.