Abstract
Regulation of myometrial functions during gestation, labor and birth are in the forefront of research in reproductive sciences. The complexity of the problem is reflected by our scant understanding of the intimate cellular and molecular events underlying these phenomena, despite extensive efforts spanning several decades. Unlike other smooth muscles, the myometrium is, to a large extent, under hormonal control. Of these, the steroid hormones, progesterone and estrogen, play dominant roles in terms of uterine growth, the maintenance of quiescence during gestation and the preparation of the uterus for labor and delivery. In addition to steroid hormones, there are a number of factors that modulate myometrial contractility (oxytocin, prostaglandins, endothelin, platelet activating factor) and relaxation (corticotropin releasing hormone, prostacyclin, nitric oxide). Although notable advances have been made towards understanding some of the key steps in receptor signaling that define the actions of these factors, a good deal of new information is needed to fully understand this fundamental life process. Pharmaceutical agents have been used extensively to induce labor or to prolong pregnancy in the case of preterm labor that represents the major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Because preterm labor is a syndrome of multiple etiologies, pharmacologic agents will have to be targeted accordingly. This review attempts to present a critical overview of these topics.
Keywords: myometrium, parturition, preterm labor, progesterone, oxytocin, prostaglandins, cytokines, endothelin, nitricoxide, crh
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: Regulation of Myometrial Smooth Muscle Functions
Volume: 10 Issue: 20
Author(s): F. Hertelendy and T. Zakar
Affiliation:
Keywords: myometrium, parturition, preterm labor, progesterone, oxytocin, prostaglandins, cytokines, endothelin, nitricoxide, crh
Abstract: Regulation of myometrial functions during gestation, labor and birth are in the forefront of research in reproductive sciences. The complexity of the problem is reflected by our scant understanding of the intimate cellular and molecular events underlying these phenomena, despite extensive efforts spanning several decades. Unlike other smooth muscles, the myometrium is, to a large extent, under hormonal control. Of these, the steroid hormones, progesterone and estrogen, play dominant roles in terms of uterine growth, the maintenance of quiescence during gestation and the preparation of the uterus for labor and delivery. In addition to steroid hormones, there are a number of factors that modulate myometrial contractility (oxytocin, prostaglandins, endothelin, platelet activating factor) and relaxation (corticotropin releasing hormone, prostacyclin, nitric oxide). Although notable advances have been made towards understanding some of the key steps in receptor signaling that define the actions of these factors, a good deal of new information is needed to fully understand this fundamental life process. Pharmaceutical agents have been used extensively to induce labor or to prolong pregnancy in the case of preterm labor that represents the major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Because preterm labor is a syndrome of multiple etiologies, pharmacologic agents will have to be targeted accordingly. This review attempts to present a critical overview of these topics.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Hertelendy F. and Zakar T., Regulation of Myometrial Smooth Muscle Functions, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2004; 10 (20) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612043383926
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612043383926 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
"Tuberculosis Prevention, Diagnosis and Drug Discovery"
The Nobel Prize-winning discoveries of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and streptomycin have enabled an appropriate diagnosis and an effective treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Since then, many newer diagnosis methods and drugs have been saving millions of lives. Despite advances in the past, TB is still a leading cause of infectious disease mortality ...read more
Current Pharmaceutical challenges in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological dysfunctions
Neurological dysfunctions (MND, ALS, MS, PD, AD, HD, ALS, Autism, OCD etc..) present significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment, often necessitating innovative approaches and therapeutic interventions. This thematic issue aims to explore the current pharmaceutical landscape surrounding neurological disorders, shedding light on the challenges faced by researchers, clinicians, and ...read more
Emerging and re-emerging diseases
Faced with a possible endemic situation of COVID-19, the world has experienced two important phenomena, the emergence of new infectious diseases and/or the resurgence of previously eradicated infectious diseases. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of such diseases has also undergone changes. This context, in turn, may have a strong relationship with ...read more
Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment: Standard of Care and Recent Advances
In this thematic issue, we aim to provide a standard of care of the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. The editor will invite authors from different countries who will write review articles of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. The Diagnosis, Staging, Surgical Treatment, Non-Surgical Treatment all ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
The Exploitation of Toll-like Receptor 3 Signaling in Cancer Therapy
Current Pharmaceutical Design Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Lipid Homeostasis
Current Drug Metabolism A Genopedia of Lupus Genes - Lessons from Gene Knockouts
Current Rheumatology Reviews Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus: Strategies to Combat with an Emerging Threat to Human
Current Bioinformatics Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Action of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Patent Selections
Recent Patents on Biotechnology Aptamers as Targeting Delivery Devices or Anti-cancer Drugs for Fighting Tumors
Current Drug Metabolism Role of the Hypoxic Microenvironment in the Antitumor Activity of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Current Medicinal Chemistry Regulatory Circuitries Coordinated by Transcription Factors and microRNAs at the Cornerstone of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Differentiation
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Modulation of Expression and Activity of ABC Transporters by the Phytoestrogen Genistein. Impact on Drug Disposition
Current Medicinal Chemistry Alzheimer Disease and the Role of Free Radicals in the Pathogenesis of the Disease
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Filtering Disturbances in Schizophrenic Patients. Gating of Auditory Evoked Potentials and Prepulse Inhibition of the Acoustic Startle Response Compared. Emphasis on the Role of Dopamine
Current Neuropharmacology Specific Immune Intervention with Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Current Medicinal Chemistry Structure and Function of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1: Role in Oxidative Stress-Related Pathologies
Current Vascular Pharmacology Sex Steroid Hormones, Cardiovascular Diseases and The Metabolic Syndrome
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Control and Role of Plateau Potential Properties in the Spinal Cord
Current Pharmaceutical Design Risk of Bleeding Related to Antithrombotic Treatment in Cardiovascular Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design TGF-β: Its Role in Asthma and Therapeutic Potential
Current Drug Targets Hypericin - A New Antiviral and Antitumor Photosensitizer: Mechanism of Action and Interaction with Biological Macromolecules
Current Drug Targets Determinants of Longevity: Genetics, Biomarkers and Therapeutic Approaches
Current Pharmaceutical Design