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Functional characterization of the prostanoid DP receptor in human myometrium
1Honours Programme in Biology/Pharmacology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
European Journal of Pharmacology
|September 5, 1995
Summary
Selective prostanoid DP receptor agonists, BW 245C and ZK110841, inhibited human myometrium contractions. These findings support the presence of DP receptors in the myometrium, potentially with subtypes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Human myometrium exhibits spontaneous contractile activity.
- Prostanoids play a role in regulating myometrial contractility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of prostanoid DP receptors in human myometrium.
- To characterize the effects of selective DP receptor agonists and antagonists on myometrial contractility.
Main Methods:
- Utilized strips of human myometrium from non-pregnant donors.
- Assessed contractile activity in response to selective prostanoid DP receptor agonists (BW 245C, ZK110841) and antagonists (L670596, BW A868C).
- Determined pEC50 and pKB values to quantify agonist and antagonist potencies.
Main Results:
- BW 245C and ZK110841 significantly inhibited spontaneous myometrial contractions.
- Prostaglandin D2 exhibited a biphasic effect.
- Antagonist studies indicated the presence of functional DP receptors in the human myometrium.
- BW A868C's potency was concentration- and agonist-dependent, suggesting multiple mechanisms of action.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports the existence of DP receptors in human myometrium.
- The data suggest that DP receptor agonists may relax human myometrium through more than one mechanism.
- Potential existence of DP receptor subtypes in human myometrium is proposed.
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