Open AccessMultiple mechanisms involved in oxytocin‐induced modulation of myometrial contractility
Author(s) -
SHMYGOL Anatoly,
GULLAM Joanna,
BLANKS Andrew,
THORNTON Steven
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
acta pharmacologica sinica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.514
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1745-7254
pISSN - 1671-4083
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-7254.2006.00393.x
Subject(s) - oxytocin , myometrium , contractility , endocrinology , sensitization , endoplasmic reticulum , medicine , uterine contraction , hormone , biology , chemistry , uterus , microbiology and biotechnology , neuroscience
Oxytocin is a small peptide hormone with multiple sites of action in human body. It regulates a large number of reproduction‐related processes in all species. Particularly important is its ability to stimulate uterine contractility. This is achieved by multiple mechanisms involving sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ release and sensitization of the contractile apparatus to Ca 2+ . In this paper, we review the data published by us and other groups on oxytocin‐induced modulation of uterine contractility. We conclude that sensitization of contractile apparatus to Ca 2+ is the most relevant physiological effect of oxytocin on human myometrium.