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Myometrial Responses to Beta-Adrenoceptor Antagonists in Gynecological Malignancies

Beata Modzelewska1, Marcin Jóźwik2, Tomasz Kleszczewski1

  • 1Department of Biophysics, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland.

Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation
|February 28, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists affect uterine contractility differently in ovarian cancer patients compared to other gynecological malignancies. Ovarian cancer significantly alters uterine responses to these drugs, suggesting a role for beta-adrenergic pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Gynecology
  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The nonpregnant human uterus exhibits contractile activity influenced by various physiological and pathological factors.
  • Beta-adrenoceptor (ADRB) antagonists are used clinically, and their effects on uterine function are of interest, particularly in the context of gynecological malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of ADRB antagonists on the contractile activity of the nonpregnant human uterus in women with gynecological cancers.
  • To compare these effects across different types of gynecological malignancies and a control group.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, ex vivo study involving myometrial specimens from women undergoing hysterectomy.
  • Specimens were obtained from patients with ovarian, endometrial, cervical cancer, and a control group with benign disorders.
  • Isometric contractions of myometrial strips were measured before and after the application of ADRB antagonists (propranolol, bupranolol, SR 59230A, butoxamine).

Main Results:

  • Propranolol and bupranolol attenuated uterine contractions in endometrial and cervical cancer groups, similar to the control group.
  • These same drugs showed opposite effects (increased contractions) in ovarian and synchronous ovarian-endometrial cancer groups.
  • SR 59230A and butoxamine significantly increased contractions specifically in the ovarian cancer group.

Conclusions:

  • Ovarian cancer significantly alters the contractile activity of the nonpregnant human uterus in response to ADRB antagonists.
  • These findings suggest a potential pathogenetic role for beta-adrenergic pathways in ovarian malignancy.
  • Specific ADRB antagonists like propranolol and bupranolol demonstrate a substantial influence on spontaneous uterine contractility, with varied effects depending on the malignancy type.
Keywords:
Beta-adrenoceptorCervical cancerEndometrial cancerOvarian cancerUterine contractions

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