Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development
Published on: January 26, 2018
[Stimulation and inhibition of uterine contractions from the modern viewpoint]
We know close to nothing why preterm or adterm delivery in human being starts. Either it is the breakdown of mechanisms protecting the pregnancy when it is time for the baby to flee the no more adequate surrounding of the uterus, or the activation of substances starting uterine contractions. Most probable is the interaction between oxytocin and prostaglandines which leads to the onset of labour; the influence of the fetus on this procedure is discussed. Stimulation of contractions: Oxytocin given as infusion with or without foregoing priming by locally applied prostaglandines (exact supervision of uterine motility and the well-being of the fetus by CTG) and/or amniotomy. Infusions of Prostaglandines always cause uterine contractions ending with the expulsion of the fetus. Inhibition of uterine contractility: In cases of threatening premature delivery before during and after intraabdominal operations and fetal distress during term delivery nowadays Betamimetics are given. The application of alcohol is reserved for special cases.
We know close to nothing why preterm or adterm delivery in human being starts. Either it is the breakdown of mechanisms protecting the pregnancy when it is time for the baby to flee the no more adequate surrounding of the uterus, or the activation of substances starting uterine contractions. Most probable is the interaction between oxytocin and prostaglandines which leads to the onset of labour; the influence of the fetus on this procedure is discussed. Stimulation of contractions: Oxytocin given as infusion with or without foregoing priming by locally applied prostaglandines (exact supervision of uterine motility and the well-being of the fetus by CTG) and/or amniotomy. Infusions of Prostaglandines always cause uterine contractions ending with the expulsion of the fetus. Inhibition of uterine contractility: In cases of threatening premature delivery before during and after intraabdominal operations and fetal distress during term delivery nowadays Betamimetics are given. The application of alcohol is reserved for special cases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Motor Unit Stimulation
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Birth Control Methods
Histology of the Uterus
The endometrium is the...
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

