US EPA

1088946 

Journal Article 

The role of endogenous nitric oxide synthesis in contractility of term or preterm human myometrium 

Jones, GD; Poston, L 

1997 

Yes 

British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
ISSN: 0306-5456
EISSN: 1365-215X 

104 

2 

241-245 

English 

9070147 

WOS:A1997WG80400024 

OBJECTIVE: To assess in vitro the role of endogenous myometrial nitric oxide synthesis on human myometrial contraction.

DESIGN: Strips of myometrium were mounted in a standard organ bath for assessment of isometric contraction and the response to modulators of nitric oxide synthesis determined.

SETTING: A teaching hospital research laboratory.

SAMPLE: Women undergoing elective nonlabour caesarean section under regional anaesthesia: 54 at term and seven preterm.

RESULTS: Neither addition of L-arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthase, nor of an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase led to any specific change in spontaneous myometrial contraction.

CONCLUSION: Endogenous nitric oxide production does not play an important role in the control of human term of preterm nonlabouring uterine smooth muscle contractility.