Participation of BKCa2+ and KATP potassium ion channels in the contractility of human term pregnant myometrium in in vitro conditions

Pinacidil, an opener of K(ATP) potassium ion channels, significantly decreased both the amplitude and frequency of myometrial contractions in human term pregnant tissue (P < 0.05).

• Pinacidil reduced the strength and rate of contractions induced by oxytocin in human term pregnant myometrium.
• The effects of pinacidil on myometrial contractions were reversed by the antagonist glibenclamide (P < 0.05).
• The opener of BK(Ca2+) channels, NS1619, did not have a significant impact on myometrial contractility in the same conditions.
• The findings suggest that K(ATP) and BK(Ca2+) potassium ion channels may play different roles in the contractility of the myometrium during labor.

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