Biomaterial Database

Effect of oxytocin antagonists on the activation of human myometrium in vitro: atosiban prevents oxytocin-induced desensitization. 1994

S Phaneuf, and G Asbóth, and I Z MacKenzie, and P Melin, and A López Bernal

Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to investigate whether the sensitivity of myometrial cells to oxytocin is affected by prolonged exposure to oxytocin antagonists. METHODS Tissue slices or cultured myometrial cells were exposed to peptides in vitro. Myometrial activation was studied by measuring the formation of inositol phosphates and the changes in intracellular calcium. Oxytocin binding was measured by saturation analysis. RESULTS Atosiban and related peptides inhibited oxytocin-induced myometrial activation as pure antagonists (inhibition constant 10 nmol/L) but had no effect on prostaglandin E2-induced activation. Long-term (> or = 24 hours) exposure to atosiban had no residual effect on oxytocin sensitivity. However, long-term exposure to oxytocin resulted in homologous desensitization and loss of oxytocin receptors. Oxytocin-induced desensitization was prevented by coincubation with atosiban. CONCLUSIONS Atosiban is a pure oxytocin antagonist and has a specific, reversible effect on myometrial cells in vitro. Its potential use for the management or even prevention of idiopathic preterm labor or to reverse uterine hypertony during oxytocin-induced labor should be tested in controlled clinical trials.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007295	Inositol Phosphates	Phosphoric acid esters of inositol. They include mono- and polyphosphoric acid esters, with the exception of inositol hexaphosphate which is PHYTIC ACID.	Inositol Phosphate,Phosphate, Inositol,Phosphates, Inositol
D007425	Intracellular Membranes	Thin structures that encapsulate subcellular structures or ORGANELLES in EUKARYOTIC CELLS. They include a variety of membranes associated with the CELL NUCLEUS; the MITOCHONDRIA; the GOLGI APPARATUS; the ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM; LYSOSOMES; PLASTIDS; and VACUOLES.	Membranes, Intracellular,Intracellular Membrane,Membrane, Intracellular
D009215	Myometrium	The smooth muscle coat of the uterus, which forms the main mass of the organ.	Uterine Muscle,Muscle, Uterine,Muscles, Uterine,Uterine Muscles
D010121	Oxytocin	A nonapeptide hormone released from the neurohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, POSTERIOR). It differs from VASOPRESSIN by two amino acids at residues 3 and 8. Oxytocin acts on SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS, such as causing UTERINE CONTRACTIONS and MILK EJECTION.	Ocytocin,Pitocin,Syntocinon
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013997	Time Factors	Elements of limited time intervals, contributing to particular results or situations.	Time Series,Factor, Time,Time Factor
D014668	Vasotocin	A nonapeptide that contains the ring of OXYTOCIN and the side chain of ARG-VASOPRESSIN with the latter determining the specific recognition of hormone receptors. Vasotocin is the non-mammalian vasopressin-like hormone or antidiuretic hormone regulating water and salt metabolism.	3-Isoleucyl Vasopressin,Arginine Oxytocin,Arginine Vasotocin,Argiprestocin,Vasopressin, Isoleucyl,Vasopressin, Non-Mammalian,(8-Arginine)Oxytocin,Argiprestocine,3 Isoleucyl Vasopressin,Isoleucyl Vasopressin,Non-Mammalian Vasopressin,Oxytocin, Arginine,Vasopressin, 3-Isoleucyl,Vasopressin, Non Mammalian,Vasotocin, Arginine
D046508	Culture Techniques	Methods of maintaining or growing biological materials in controlled laboratory conditions. These include the cultures of CELLS; TISSUES; organs; or embryo in vitro. Both animal and plant tissues may be cultured by a variety of methods. Cultures may derive from normal or abnormal tissues, and consist of a single cell type or mixed cell types.	Culture Technique,Technique, Culture,Techniques, Culture